By: Kwame Bediako
Former Zimbabwean swimming champion Kirsty Coventry officially took over as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday, June 23, 2025 in a historic ceremony held at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Coventry becomes the first woman and first African to lead the 131-year-old Olympic movement, beginning an eight-year term that marks a new era for the global sports body. Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time Olympic medalist overall, succeeded Thomas Bach, who led the IOC for 12 years.
The handover ceremony featured Bach symbolically passing the golden key of Olympic House to Coventry, who vowed to strengthen and broaden the reach of the Olympic Games. She praised the Olympic Movement as a platform to inspire, change lives, and bring hope to young people worldwide, reflecting on her own journey from dreaming of Olympic gold to leading the organisation.
A major focus for Coventry will be the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which face challenges including local protests and political tensions. Her longstanding ties to the United States, stemming from her collegiate swimming career at Auburn University, are expected to be an asset as she navigates these complexities.
Coventry has expressed her intention to meet with U.S President Donald Trump to discuss preparations for the Games, underscoring the importance of strong collaboration between the IOC and host nation.
Financial stability and commercial growth of the Olympic Movement also rank high on Coventry’s agenda. The IOC has secured billions in sponsorship and broadcasting deals through 2032, and Coventry is expected to continue expanding commercial opportunities for sponsors.
The privately funded Los Angeles Games provide a promising platform for these efforts, ensuring the Olympic Movement remains financially robust amid evolving global sports marketing landscapes. Coventry’s election was decisive; she won in the first round against six other candidates, signaling strong support for her vision and leadership.
Her unique background as an elite athlete and her status as the first female and African president bring diversity to the IOC’s leadership, aligning with the increasingly international and inclusive nature of the Olympic Movement. As she embarks on her term, Coventry emphasized unity and innovation as keys to inspiring future generations and sustaining the Olympic Legacy.
