In a historic vote at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman to hold the prestigious position.
Coventry emerged victorious among a strong field of candidates, including HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe.
Her election ushers in a new era for the IOC, as she prepares to take the helm from outgoing President Thomas Bach, whose 12-year term concludes on June 23, 2025.
Following the announcement, Bach extended his congratulations, stating, “I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”
Coventry’s presidency, secured through a secret ballot by IOC Members, will span an eight-year term.