The election took place at the 144th IOC Session, where Coventry won in a single round of voting against six other candidates.

At 41, she is also the youngest to hold the coveted position.

Coventry, who is an Olympic gold medalist in swimming, expressed her gratitude for the support from IOC members.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support,” she said. “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.”

Kirsty Coventry delivers her acceptance speech after being elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee, and the first female President in IOC history. pic.twitter.com/3BXf9kK0dI

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 20, 2025

Outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will come to an end in June, congratulated Coventry on her election, saying, “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah also congratulated Coventry in a post on X.

Congratulations and best wishes to newly-elected IOC President @KirstyCoventry, an honour thoroughly deserved and something I’m humbled to have been present for in Greece after hosting you at the @ICC #ChampionsTrophy.

I look forward to working with you and your team on… pic.twitter.com/9ShJLxwL5w

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 20, 2025

Coventry will officially assume the role on 23 June 23. The IOC presidency has an eight-year term, with the possibility of a four-year extension through re-election.

Who is Kirsty Coventry?

Born in Zimbabwe, Coventry earned her bachelors degree from Auburn University in the US.

She is known for her success in swimming, specializing in backstroke and individual medley events.

During her Olympic career, she won two gold medals in the 200m backstroke (2004, 2008), four silver medals across multiple events (2004, 2008), and a bronze medal in 2004. She also bagged several titles at the World Championships, World Cups, and the African Games.

Apart from being a professional swimmer, Coventry has been actively involved in sports administration. She has served as a member and vice president of the Zimbabwe National Olympic Committee, an athlete representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency, and vice president of the International Surfing Association.

Coventry was Zimbabwe’s sports minister in 2018 and founded KCA Swim Academy, promoting water safety for children, as well as HEROES, a non-profit organization supporting youth through sports.

Her tenure at the IOC includes serving as chair of the Athletes’ Commission (2018-2021), a member of the executive board (2018-2021), and holding key positions in various IOC commissions, including those for the Youth Olympic Games and the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032.