Kirsty Coventry has been elected president of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first female and African to secure the most powerful job in world sport.
The 41-year-old, who saw off the challenge from both Sebastian Coe and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, will also be the youngest president of the IOC in its 131-year history.
Coventry has an eight-year mandate until 2033 and takes over from current president of the IOC Thomas Bach – elected to the role in 2013 – on June 26 [Olympic Day].
What was expected to be a close competition between Coventry, Coe and Samaranch turned into a formality, with the Zimbabwean securing 49 out of the 97 votes cast in the first round – an absolute majority of 50.2%.
Samaranch placed second with 28 votes and Coe earned eight votes in total.
France’s David Lappartient and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe secured four votes each, while Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan and Sweden’s Johan Eliasch both got two votes.
“I never thought that I’d be standing up here today,” said Coventry in her acceptance speech. “I want to give back to this incredible movement of ours. This is not just an honour but a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you. I will lead this organisation with so much pride with values at the core and I will make all of you very proud.”
Coventry is a seven-time Olympic medallist in swimming – two golds, four silvers and one bronze – and topped the podium in the 200m backstroke at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment,” she added.
“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.
“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all. I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest.
“Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright and I can’t wait to get started!”
Speaking to reporters after the vote, Coe stated that he “was pleased an athlete has emerged at the head of the organisation”, adding that “it’s an election” when asked if it was a clean fight.
“My ideas in my manifesto were curated from lengthy conversations with both members and those beyond them,” he added. “I’ve got a very clear idea about what I think the movement needs to address. It’s in the manifesto. They weren’t words conjured up for an election, it’s what I believe.”
The presidential vote took place at a luxury hotel in a seaside resort just south of Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Games.
By Joseph Amanortey Bleyor
