Kirsty Coventry becomes first woman, African elected as IOC president

20 Mar 2025, 17:28 by Alex Butler · UPI

March 20 (UPI) -- International Olympic Committee members elected Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry as president, replacing Thomas Bach, the committee announced Thursday. Coventry will be the first woman and African to hold the role.

Voting took place at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece. Coventry, a five-time Olympian, won seven medals, including two gold and four silver, during her swimming career. She is the most decorated Olympian from Africa.