Zimbabwean Olympic icon Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time swimming medallist, is making history by campaigning to become the first woman and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
At 41, Coventry joins a competitive field of seven candidates vying to succeed Thomas Bach, who will step down in 2025 after leading since 2013.
As Africa’s most decorated Olympian and Zimbabwe’s sports minister, Coventry is up against high-profile contenders including World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe, France’s David Lappartient, and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe.
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The election will occur in ancient Olympia in March 2025, with candidate presentations slated for January.
Coventry’s bid represents a potential shift in the IOC’s traditionally male and European leadership.
Her extensive experience as an IOC athlete representative and founder of a swimming academy bolsters her qualifications, signaling a promising new direction for the Olympic movement.
