Zimbabwean sports minister Kirsty Coventry was elected the new president of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first woman and first African.
The 41-year-old former swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, replaces Thomas Bach, who has been leading the IOC since 2013, and becomes the youngest president in the organization’s 130-year history.
World Athletics boss Lord Coe was one of his favourites to win Thursday’s election in Greece, but Coventry secured the majority of 49 of the 97 votes available in the first round.
Runner-up Juan Antonio Samaranche Jr. won 28 votes, while Coe received eight votes.
French David Rappatient and Japanese Star Watanabe received four votes each, while Jordan’s Prince Faisal al Hussein and Sweden’s Johann Eliasch both received two votes.
Already sitting on the IOC Executive Committee and said to be a Bach priority candidate, Coventry is the 10th person to hold the best office in the sport and will be mailed to the next eight years at least.
Coventry won seven of Zimbabwe’s eight Olympic medals. Both the 2004 and 2008 games include gold in the 200m backstroke.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe years ago would never have dreamed of this moment,” Coventry said.
“I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president and the first president from Africa.
“I hope this vote will inspire many people. Today, the glass ceiling is shattered and we fully recognize our responsibility as a role model.”
Coventry, during her acceptance of her election, described her as an “extraordinary moment” and promised IOC members to be proud of her choice.
During the campaign, Coventry pledged to modernize, promote sustainability, embrace technology and empower athletes.
She focused on protecting women’s sports and supported transgender women to compete in women’s Olympic sports.
Coventry has faced criticism in Zimbabwe for his abilities as a sports minister since 2018, but has defended his controversial relationship with President Emerson Mnangawa.
Due to government interference in football, FIFA banned Zimbabwe from international matches in 2022, but last year the US imposed sanctions on Mnangagwa and other high-ranking officials for corruption and human rights abuses.
The presidential vote took place in a luxury hotel in a seaside resort about 60 miles south of Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient game.
IOC members had to hand over their mobile phones before a secret electronic vote around 14:30 GMT.
The campaign process limited candidates to 15-minute presentations at private events in January, media was banned, and there was no scope for subsequent questions from members.
Members were not allowed to support them, and there was no criticism of rival candidates. So behind the scenes lobbying played a key role.
Andy Anson, CEO of the UK Olympic Association, congratulated Coventry, saying, “We know her well and look forward to working together to grow the global relevance and commercial success of the Olympic movement.”
