UCI's David Lappartient loses IOC Presidency election as Kirsty Coventry becomes first woman elected to prestigious role

Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee, marking a significant milestone as the first woman and African to hold the position. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist and current Zimbabwean minister of sport, won decisively in the first round of voting. The election follows Thomas Bach's 12-year tenure. Despite expectations of a prolonged voting process, Coventry's victory reflects a transformative moment in Olympic leadership, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity and sport's potential to inspire and unite different communities.

I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support. The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.

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.

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