Kirsty Coventry Makes History as First Female IOC President
Written by Skyz Metro FM on March 21, 2025
21 March 2025
By Makhosethu Ndlovu
The Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Honourable Kirsty Coventry, has made history by becoming the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Coventry was elected yesterday during the IOC elections in Costa Navarino, Greece, securing 49 votes ahead of Juan Antonio Samaranch, who received 28 votes.
Speaking after her election, Coventry expressed her gratitude and pledged to lead the organization with dedication and integrity.
“As a nine-year-old girl, I never thought that I would be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible movement of ours,” Coventry said. “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, with the values at the core, and I will make all of you very, very proud.”
Congratulatory messages have poured in from various ministries and organizations. President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended Coventry on her victory, stating that she has made Zimbabwe and Africa proud.
Her election marks a significant milestone in global sports leadership, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in international athletics administration.
IOC elections voting results
Kirsty Coventry 49
Juan Antonio Samaranch 28
Sebastian Coe 8
Morinare Watanabe 4
David Lappartient 4
Johan Eliasch 2
Feisal Al Hussein 2
Skyz Metro FM