Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected Thursday as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee, and the first female president in IOC history, following 1 round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
The Zimbabwean Sports Minister and former swimming champion secured victory following just one round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe (in order of the draw).
Per Inside The Games, Spaniard Samaranch Jr., son of former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch Sr., had been widely considered the best bet to challenge Coventry in what was expected to be a tight race for the presidency in the coastal Greek town.
Per Inside The Games, Spaniard Samaranch Jr., son of former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch Sr., had been widely considered the best bet to challenge Coventry in what was expected to be a tight race for the presidency in the coastal Greek town.
In the final vote count, Coventry amassed 49 ballots out of the 97 available in the first and only round out of a possible half-dozen. Samaranch Jr., currently IOC vice-president, was a distant second with 28 votes, while Briton Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, claimed just eight. The remaining four candidates amassed only 12 ballots total, with Frenchman David Lappartient and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe earning four each, and just two going to Prince Feisal Al Husein of Jordan and Johan Eliasch of Sweden, respectively.
President-elect Coventry said: “I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt 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.
“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can’t wait to get started!”
After the election, outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach said: “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC president. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”
Coventry will succeed Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after 23 June. The president is elected by the IOC members by secret ballot for a term of eight years.
