Kirsty Coventry elected first female IOC president

Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic swimming gold medalist from Zimbabwe, has been elected as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), succeeding Thomas Bach. Coventry, 41, was chosen in a first-round vote during a meeting in Costa Navarino, Greece, marking a historic moment for the IOC, traditionally led by men from Europe or the U.S. Her presidency will begin on June 24, with a focus on navigating geopolitical uncertainties and advancing gender equality in sports. This election was considered one of the most competitive in decades, with Coventry emerging victorious from a pool of seven candidates. Coventry's term will coincide with significant events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. Outgoing president Bach expressed gratitude for his tenure, emphasizing his passion for sports and the opportunity to make an impact through the Olympic movement.