David GOMBE
Zimbabwe’s sports minister Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new International Olympic Committee (IOC) President.
The former swimmer and two time Olympic Champion replaces German Thomas Bach who has served in the position since 2013.
Coventry becomes the first woman, the first African and the youngest person to be elected as IOC President.
She beat six male rivals including World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe who was among the favourites to win the IOC top office during Thursday’s election in Greece.
Coventry garnered 49 of the 97 votes available in the first round of voting while Runner-up Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr managed 28 votes with Coe securing just eight votes.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment.”
“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.” Said Coventry as quoted by BBC Sport
Coventry sits on the IOC executive and will now hold the highest office in biggest office in Sports for at least the next eight years.
She has won seven of Zimbabwe’s eight Olympic medals – including gold in the 200m backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Games.
