New IOC president Kirsty Coventry vows to lead through collaboration
Former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe is first woman and first African to lead global body
Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee, emphasised collaboration with stakeholders as a key priority for her tenure, in remarks made on Thursday ahead of her official takeover next week.
Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe and Africa’s most decorated Olympian, was elected to the post in March, succeeding Thomas Bach. She will formally assume the role following Monday’s handover ceremony in Lausanne.
“I like to collaborate, to be able to listen, hear everyone’s opinions. I think it is very important,” Coventry said during an online media round table. “I also know I am the president and need to take decisions and that we need to move.”
The 41-year-old is the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC. Her approach is expected to differ from her predecessor’s, as Bach was known for the rapid speed and volume of his decision-making and concentration of power.
Bach’s presidency was marked by wide-ranging reforms, including overhauling the Olympic bidding process, introducing new sports and reducing costs for host cities.
He also navigated challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, which delayed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and led to a spectator-free Beijing 2022 Winter Games.