By Matik Kueth
Kirsty Coventry officially stepped into her role as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday, becoming both the first woman and the first African to lead the organization in its 131-year history.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer from Zimbabwe won a decisive election in March, outpacing six other candidates to succeed outgoing president Thomas Bach.
Her inauguration was held on Olympic Day, which commemorates the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1894, at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“You’ve entrusted someone whose life has been shaped by the Olympic spirit,” said Bach during the ceremony.
He added, “She leads with courage and a genuine commitment to the movement that defined her.”
Bach, a gold medalist in team fencing from the 1976 Olympics, concludes his 12-year term, the maximum allowed.
During the transition ceremony, Coventry presented him with the prestigious Olympic Order in gold.
On her part, Coventry expressed gratitude and excitement, reiterating her steadfast commitment despite challenges.
“I’m truly honored to walk this path with you. I know the road ahead will be challenging, but with this incredible team, I’m ready,” she said.
Coventry, now 41, will guide the IOC over the next eight years, a period that includes the highly anticipated 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.