Kirsty Coventry made history as the first female and African IOC president and has vowed to break barriers and unite the Olympic movement.
Who would have thought that Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe could rise above strong male opposition to become the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee?
Coventry was the only female candidate for one of the highest roles in the world, making history as the first woman to become the IOC President. She is also the first African to secure the prestigious position.
Kirsty Coventry was named the successful heir to Thomas Bach following one round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
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She garnered 49 votes over HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein who had two, David Lappartient who received backing from four people and Johan Eliasch who also received two votes. Juan Antonio Samaranch had 28 votes while Lord Sebastian Coe managed eight votes.
Making her speech after the elections, Kirsty Coventry extended a hand of gratitude to her fellow members for trusting that she would get to top job done.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment,” Coventry said as quoted by Olympics.com.
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“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”
She highlighted the unique power of sports to unite, inspire and create opportunities for everyone and revealed that she will work with relevant stakeholders to make things work.
She emphasised unity, pointing out that she would listen to the athletes, fans and sponsors, and expressed her excitement to begin the adventurous journey.
On his part, IOC president Thomas Bach said: “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President.
“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.”
Kirsty Coventry will take over as IOC president from Thomas Bach on Monday, June 23 after serving for 12 years.
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