Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWEAN swimming legend Kirsty Coventry was elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ) at the 144th IOC Session held in Costa, Greece this Thursday.
Coventry, who is the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, becomes the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee and also breaks new ground becoming the first woman and African to ever be elected to the influential position.
The seven-time Olympian, who is no stranger to records, will also be the youngest ever to assume the role.
Coventry, who is Africa’s most decorated Olympian, came through a field of seven contenders in the seaside resort of Costa Navarino in Greece to land one of the most powerful jobs in world sport.
During her campaign, Coventry vowed to focus on increasing diversity and inclusion within the IOC, as well as promoting the development of sports in Africa and other underrepresented regions.
The IOC President holds dominion over the Olympic movement and acts as dealmaker and diplomat handling world leaders desperate for the dose of soft power that comes with hosting an Olympic Games.
Coventry will officially take up the role on the 24th of June when incumbent Thomas Bach steps down following a 12-year spell in charge.
