In a groundbreaking moment, Kirsty Coventry, a former Zimbabwean swimmer, has been elected as the first female President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Coventry, 41, made history by becoming the first African to hold the position, securing 49 votes in the first round of voting at the IOC’s 144th session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Coventry will take over as the 10th IOC president on June 24, replacing Thomas Bach, who has led the organization for 12 years.
She will serve an eight-year term, defeating a strong field of candidates, including Sebastian Coe, Juan Antonio Samaranch, and Feisal Al Hussein, the prince of Jordan.
In her acceptance speech, Coventry expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for electing her to a position she never thought possible.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment,” she said.
“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.”
Persecondnews reports that Coventry, the most decorated Olympian from Africa, has participated in five Olympics, winning seven medals in swimming, including two golds, four silvers, and one bronze.
She joined the IOC in 2013 and serves on more than ten committees within the organization.
Sebastian Coe, who lost the election, congratulated Coventry on her victory, stating that World Athletics looks forward to working closely with her to ensure that sport remains the priority of the IOC, and athletes the driving force behind the new president’s agenda.
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