Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the first female and African president of the IOC, succeeding Thomas Bach on June 23. In her inaugural speech, Coventry emphasized her commitment to leading with pride and developing programs for aspiring athletes. She was elected after successfully competing against six notable candidates in a historic election.
Kirsty Coventry, the renowned seven-time Olympic medallist from Zimbabwe, has been elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This historic election took place during the 144th IOC session, where Coventry was chosen by the 97 IOC members, officially assuming her role on June 23. She becomes the first woman and the first African to lead an organization established 131 years ago by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas to manage the Olympic Games.
In her inaugural speech, Coventry expressed gratitude and commitment to the IOC, stating, “This is not just a huge honour, but it is a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organization with so much pride.” She emphasized her determination to make the members proud and assured them of her dedication to the role ahead.
Coventry’s election followed a stringent competition, where she surpassed six other contenders, including prominent figures such as David Lappartient, Sebastian Coe, and Morinari Watanabe. As a testament to her capability, she noted that the competitive process enriched the organization, stating, “This race was an incredible race… And it made us better, made us a stronger movement.”
Former IOC president Thomas Bach, who will be succeeded by Coventry, has offered his support to her presidency. He encouraged her to reach out for guidance, humorously mentioning, “If the new president would like to have some advice or support they can call me in the middle of the night.”
Coventry’s term will span eight years, including supervision of the Summer Games in Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032), as well as the upcoming Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Reflecting on her own experiences as an athlete in Zimbabwe, she aims to develop tailored programs for aspiring youth athletes, focusing on supporting their journey toward Olympic ambitions. “The hardest part of my journey was becoming an Olympic champion,” Coventry remarked, highlighting the need for better support systems for future Olympians.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the IOC president marks a significant milestone in the organization’s history, especially with her being the first woman and African to take on this prestigious role. Her commitment to athlete development and focus on enhancing the Olympic journey for future competitors further demonstrates her dedication to the sport. Supported by former president Thomas Bach, Coventry’s leadership is anticipated to bring about positive changes within the Olympic movement.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
