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NEWLY elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kristy Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist in swimming, says it was a “dream she could not have imagined as a little girl,” promising to lead the organisation with pride and dedication.

The 41-year-old Zimbabwean was chosen in a secret ballot of seven candidates at the 144th IOC Session being held in Costa Navarino, Greece, on Thursday (20 March), for an eight-year term of office.

She will be the first woman and the first African to serve as IOC President.

The Zimbabwean Minister of Sports, Recreation and Arts said her election was an honour and a reminder of her commitment to those who elected her.

“This is not just a huge honour, but it is a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organisation with so much pride, and I will make all of you very, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you’ve taken today,” Coventry said during her acceptance speech.

She expressed deep gratitude to the IOC members.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and now we’ve got some work to do together.” Coventry also reflected on the election process, calling it an “incredible race” that has strengthened the Olympic movement.

Ms Coventry’s election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes one of the few women to hold the prestigious position. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the IOC, with a focus on unity, innovation, and the continued growth of the Olympic movement.

The newly elected president concluded her speech by thanking the members for their trust, saying, “Thank you very much for this moment, and thank you very much for this honour.”

In her candidature document, IOC president elect Coventry listed five priorities: harnessing the power of sport; maximising collaboration and engagement; strengthening partnerships for mutual growth; championing sustainable development; and advancing credibility and trust.

The document ends with a quote in large font, centred on an otherwise empty page: “I am because we are.” As she explains elsewhere:

My mission to drive empowerment, strengthen engagement, and ensure we remain relevant, is guided by the Ubuntu philosophy: ‘I am because we are.’ This principle highlights the combined strength of the Olympic community and our responsibility to uplift one another. It also underscores the close partnership we share with the International Paralympic Committee. Together, these events serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a symbol of human progress with limitless possibilities.

President-elect Coventry will assume office after the handover from President Bach on Olympic Day, 23 June. President Bach, who remains in the role until then, will also resign as an IOC Member after the transfer of power and will then assume the role of Honorary President.

The President-elect will oversee the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as her first Olympic Games, with under 11 months to go to the Opening Ceremony.

Online Reporter/Guardian/Telegram