New IOC president Kirsty Coventry inaugurated to start 8-year leadership
Kirsty Coventry Inaugurated as First Female and African President of IOC
On the 131st birthday of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry made history as she was inaugurated as the first female and first African president of the organization. The two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming for Zimbabwe officially took office Tuesday at the age of 41, succeeding Thomas Bach after winning a decisive election in March.
In her inauguration speech, Coventry expressed her gratitude to her family, particularly her two young daughters, whom she described as her inspiration and motivation to lead the IOC for the next eight years, including the upcoming 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Addressing her six-year-old daughter Ella, Coventry emphasized the importance of embracing change and making decisions that will shape the future of the Olympic movement.
During the ceremony, Bach, the outgoing president, handed over a symbolic key to Coventry, acknowledging her as his successor in Olympic politics. Bach, who served the maximum 12 years in office, expressed his confidence in Coventry’s leadership, stating that the Olympic movement is ready for the future under her guidance.
The inauguration took place in a temporary building at Olympic House, resembling the Grand Palais in Paris, where fencing and taekwondo events were held during the Summer Games. Despite a sudden downpour of rain before the ceremony, Bach and Coventry shared an umbrella as they made their way to the venue.
As Coventry begins her tenure as president, her first day includes a closed-door session with approximately 100 IOC members, consisting of current and former heads of state, business leaders, Olympic athletes, and sports officials. This gathering will provide Coventry with valuable insights and perspectives to guide her leadership of the IOC.
With Coventry at the helm, the Olympic movement looks towards a future filled with inspiration, change, and hope. As the first female and African president of the IOC, Coventry’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in the organization’s history, signaling a new era of leadership and innovation.
