Kirsty Coventry, elected on March 20, 2025, becomes the first African woman to preside over the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC). At only 41 years old, the former elite swimmer from Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, breaks a historic glass ceiling by succeeding Thomas Bach.
The election was held in Costa Navarino, Greece, and Coventry won the presidency in the first round with 49 votes out of 97. Facing her were recognized candidates such as Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and Sebastian Coe, who represented the continuity of a predominantly Western governance. This victory symbolizes a deep desire for renewal within the IOC.
Kirsty Coventry: From Olympic Champion to Institutional Leader
Before her remarkable journey in sports institutions, Kirsty Coventry distinguished herself with an exceptional swimming career. With seven Olympic medals, including two consecutive golds in the 200m backstroke in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, she remains the most decorated African athlete in Olympic history.
After ending her sports career, Coventry actively engaged in international sports management. As early as 2013, she joined the IOC Athletes’ Commission, before becoming part of the highly influential Executive Board. In parallel, she became in 2018 the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation in Zimbabwe, under the controversial presidency of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Inclusion and Diversity at the Heart of Coventry’s Mandate
In her inaugural speech, Kirsty Coventry clearly positioned inclusion and diversity at the center of her priorities. She particularly wishes to strengthen African representation in the decision-making bodies of the IOC, traditionally dominated by Western figures.
However, this promising mandate will not be without challenges. Her past proximity to Mnangagwa’s authoritarian government raises legitimate questions about Coventry’s ability to preserve the integrity and image of the Olympic movement, especially in a context where ethics and transparency are closely scrutinized.
A Discreet but Effective Electoral Strategy
Kirsty Coventry opted for a discreet electoral strategy, carefully avoiding public confrontations with her competitors. This approach allowed her to convince internally, attracting decisive votes. On their side, candidates like Coe or Samaranch suffered from an image too associated with the former IOC governance.
Although the outgoing president Thomas Bach denies any direct support, several observers point out that the current majority of IOC members were appointed under his presidency, which indirectly facilitated Coventry’s victory, often perceived as a figure close to Bach.
The Hot Issues of Coventry’s Mandate
The detailed program of Kirsty Coventry is yet to be defined. However, she plans an in-depth consultation phase with IOC members. Among the immediate challenges are the delicate issue of Russian athletes’ participation in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, the complex relations with the United States approaching Los Angeles 2028, and the persistent controversies around women’s competitions, exacerbated since the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In the longer term, Coventry will have to manage the intense diplomatic competition surrounding the awarding of the 2036 Olympic Games, coveted by several influential countries like India, Turkey, or Saudi Arabia.
A Strong Symbol Bearing High Expectations
Kirsty Coventry’s victory embodies a profound change in the image of the IOC, marking a break with an elitist and Western tradition. Her youth, African origin, and female profile make her an emblematic figure of a new era for Olympism.
However, the symbol alone will not suffice. Coventry will need to quickly demonstrate her ability to implement real and sustainable reforms. From her official start on June 23, 2025, in Lausanne, she will be expected to prove that this historic victory goes beyond the symbolic framework and initiates an authentic transformation of the IOC.
