Sports Desk //

Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry has made history. She has been elected as the first woman and African to be elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The 41-year-old swimmer described the victory as an ‘extraordinary moment’.

Coventry is a two-time Olympic swimming champion. After leaving the swimming pool, she devoted herself to sports organizing. She is currently Zimbabwe’s sports minister. She has the honor of not only being the first African and woman, but also the youngest person to hold the top position of the IOC.

She defeated six strong rivals in the election. After being elected, she said, ‘This is an extraordinary moment. I never thought that one day I would be standing on this stage and giving something to this incredible movement.’

‘This is not only a great honor, it is a message to all of us. I will lead this organization with pride, uphold its core values ​​and make all of you proud. I want to give you my confidence in the decision you have made today. I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the former swimmer added.

Coventry was reportedly the preferred candidate of outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach. Although IOC election observers expected Coventry to face veteran Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe, that expectation was proven wrong in the first round. He won easily, receiving 49 of the 97 votes.

Share your thoughts.