Could Kirsty Coventry Become the First Female IOC President in History?

Kirsty Coventry is the only female candidate among the seven contenders for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She is not only an IOC Executive Board member but also the most decorated African Olympian in history.

If elected, Coventry would become the first female and first African president in the IOC’s 130-year history, succeeding the current president, Thomas Bach.

Coventry has pledged to “break boundaries” and “make bold decisions” if she is elected, a stance that has gained traction and could boost her chances of winning votes in the election.

At 41 years old, she is the youngest of the seven candidates, a fact she embraces with enthusiasm:

“I feel incredibly proud! I had hoped to be the youngest IOC presidential candidate, but as many of you know, our founder, Pierre de Coubertin, was only 33 when he established the modern Olympic Games. I’m exactly ten years older than he was at the time. But regardless, it is a tremendous honor to be part of this election.”

Beyond her candidacy, Coventry is also a mother to a four-month-old baby, leading many to wonder:

How has she managed such a demanding past, and how will she balance an even busier future, juggling motherhood and leadership?

For Coventry, this challenge is nothing new. She recalls that when her first child was born (who will turn six years old in May), she was simultaneously leading the IOC Athletes’ Commission, serving as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, running her own foundation, and managing various other responsibilities. Before her daughter turned one, she had already traveled to ten countries with her.

Now, with a strong support network from her husband and family, Coventry continues to navigate her global commitments. Her three-month-old daughter, Lily, has already visited five countries, setting “travel records” of their own. To her, this is simply a **way of life