Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic moment as the first woman and first African to lead the organization. 

The election took place during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, where Coventry secured a decisive victory in the first round of voting, obtaining 49 out of 97 votes. 

She will officially assume office on June 23, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach. 

Coventry, 41, is a distinguished former Olympic swimmer from Zimbabwe, having won two gold medals, and currently serves as the country's Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation. 

Her election is seen as a significant step toward greater diversity and representation within the Olympic movement. 

In her acceptance speech, Coventry emphasized her commitment to promoting inclusivity and unity in sports, stating that her presidency "is a signal that we are truly global." 

She also outlined key priorities for her tenure, including enhancing support for athletes, advancing gender equality, and ensuring the sustainability of the Olympic Games. 

Coventry's election is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the IOC, with her background as an athlete and policymaker positioning her to address contemporary challenges facing the Olympic movement.