Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee, making history as the first woman and first African in this role. She aims to focus on supporting young athletes during her eight-year term, which will include major upcoming Olympic events. Outgoing president Thomas Bach offered his support and wisdom to her as she transitions into her new position.
Kirsty Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist from Zimbabwe, has been elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This significant announcement was made on Thursday during the 144th IOC session, where she was selected after the first round of voting by 97 IOC members. Coventry will assume her role on June 23, succeeding Thomas Bach, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman and first African to lead the IOC since its inception 131 years ago.
In her inaugural address, Coventry expressed immense gratitude and commitment to her new position. “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,” she stated. Coventry rose to prominence by winning two gold medals among her Olympic accolades from 2000 to 2016, proudly representing her nation.
Coventry’s election came after a competitive selection process in which she faced six other candidates, including notable figures such as Frenchman David Lappartient and Olympic gold medalist Sebastian Coe. Coventry highlighted the strength of the election process, stating, “This race was an incredible race…and it made us better, made us a stronger movement.”
As she prepares to lead the IOC for an eight-year term covering key events such as the Summer Games in Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032, Coventry aims to leverage her experiences as an athlete to enhance support for emerging athletes. “The hardest part of my journey was becoming an Olympic champion,” she remarked, emphasizing her goal to implement programs that directly assist athletes in their paths to the Olympics.
In a gesture of support to Coventry, outgoing president Thomas Bach offered his experience, stating that he would be available for guidance at any time, should she require it. His assurance reflects the collaborative spirit of the IOC as it enters a new era under Coventry’s leadership.
Kirsty Coventry’s election as the president of the International Olympic Committee represents a groundbreaking achievement, not only for her personal career but also for representation within the organization. Her commitment to supporting young athletes and improving their journey to the Olympics is noteworthy. As she embarks on her term, Coventry stands poised to influence the IOC significantly and inspire future generations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
