Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic achievement as the first woman and first African in this role. The election was closely contested and surprising, resulting in her securing an eight-year mandate. Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and Zimbabwe's sports minister, now faces significant challenges, including navigating political and sports issues as the IOC prepares for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, alongside future Olympic host selection for 2036.
Coventry's win also was a victory for outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach, who has long been seen as promoting her as his successor.
Coventry, 41, will formally replace her mentor Bach on June 23 - officially Olympic Day - as the 10th IOC president in its 131-year history.
I will make all of you very, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you have taken," Coventry said in her acceptance speech. "Now we have got some work together.
Key challenges for the 41-year-old Coventry will be steering the Olympic movement through political and sporting issues toward the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
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