By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – It’s joy for women in sports after Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry was elected the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President.
The double Olympic swimming champion secured a landslide election win on Thursday in Greece, becoming the first women to lead the IOC. The 41-year-old Zimbabwean Sports Minister earned 49 of the 97 votes cast, with Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch her closest challenger on 28.
Coventry will lead the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement until 2033.
According to the Olympics.com, Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.
Kirsty Coventry will succeed the ninth IOC President, Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after Monday 23 June 2025.
Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) congratulated Coventry after winning the elections.
She thanked all the members who elected her.
“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.
Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can’t wait to get started,” she told Olympics.com.
The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport.
