Kirsty Coventry Elected IOC President, A Historic Moment for Africa

DAKAR, March 23, 2025 — Seven months ago, when Thomas Bach declared that “new times call for new leaders,” few imagined that the next president of the International Olympic Committee would not only be a woman but also come from Africa. Yet on March 20, 2025, at the 144th IOC Session in Greece, Zimbabwean swimming legend Kirsty Coventry was elected IOC President, making history as both the first woman and the first African to hold the position.

Coventry’s victory took many by surprise. Mehluli Sibanda, President of the Zimbabwean National Sport Press Association, admitted that most observers had seen Sebastian Coe and Juan Antonio Samaranch as the frontrunners, and Coventry’s triumph was completely unexpected. Sudanese sports journalist Mohamed Mufti also expressed surprise, noting that as the youngest and only female candidate, Coventry’s chances initially seemed slim. Senegalese veteran journalist Mamadou Koumé remarked that although Coventry’s program was impressive, her landslide first-round victory was still astonishing.

Nigerian journalist Mitchell Obi had predicted that Coventry’s advocacy for women’s issues could work in her favor but had not anticipated a first-round win. Ultimately, the 41-year-old former Olympic champion secured 49 votes, earning a decisive victory and becoming a symbol of pride for the entire African continent.

From Harare to Casablanca, Kigali to Cotonou, voices across Africa celebrated her success. Felix Peperipe, a leading sports journalist from Benin, described Coventry as an inspiration for young African women and a source of renewed confidence for the continent. Mouhamed Diop, President of Africa Aquatics, called her election a milestone for African swimming and a testament to Coventry’s exceptional career as both an athlete and leader.

Coventry’s election is widely seen as a pivotal moment for the Olympic movement. Mufti highlighted her leadership as a step toward greater gender equality and youth representation. Obi Mitchell believes her win could usher in more opportunities for women in sports governance. As a double Olympic champion with seven medals, Coventry’s reputation for integrity, determination, and fairness has earned her global respect.

Nonetheless, many recognize that her term will be challenging. Key issues include promoting gender equality, combating doping, improving sports infrastructure in developing countries, and addressing the participation of athletes from politically troubled nations such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Sibanda emphasized the complexity of managing policies on transgender athletes ahead of the LA 2028 Games.

Despite the obstacles, Coventry’s presidency has sparked hope for meaningful change. As Mamadou Koumé stated, “Her leadership marks a true transformation for the Olympic movement.”