Coventry runs to become first female IOC President

By Lindy Ndhlovu

Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s Olympic gold medalist and Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, is making history by aspiring to become the first female International Olympic Committee (IOC) President.

As one of the seven shortlisted candidates, she’s in company of notable figures such as Britain’s Lord Coe, Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch, Prince Fersal al Hussein of Jordan, Sweden’s Johan Eliasch, Japan’s Wanari Wanatabe, and France’s David Lappartient.

The IOC will elect its new president in March next year, as Thomas Bach’s term comes to an end. Coventry is the youngest among the shortlisted candidates .

Her impressive background as a five-time Olympian, two-time Olympic champion, and world record holder in swimming makes her a strong contender for the position .