Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Kirsty is the first woman and first African to lead the sports governing body of the modern Olympic Games.

The 41-year-old former swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, replaces German Thomas Bach – who had held the role since 2013 – and becomes the first woman, the first African and the youngest person to hold the role.

World Athletics boss Lord Coe was the favourite to win Thursday’s election, but Coventry secured an absolute majority in the first round of voting.

Coventry, who already sits on the IOC executive board, is the 10th person to hold the highest office in sport and will hold the position for at least the next eight years.

After the election, Thomas Bach, the IOC President, congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President.

He expressed his appreciation for the IOC Members’ choice and looked forward to effective collaboration, particularly during the transition period.

Bach affirmed that the future of the Olympic Movement is bright and that the values they represent will guide them in the coming years.

Coventry will replace the ninth IOC President, Thomas Bach, whose 12-year term will officially end on Monday, June 23, 2025. The President is elected by IOC Members via a secret ballot for an eight-year term.

This election was regarded as one of the most unpredictable and competitive IOC presidential races in decades, with no clear favourite leading up to the vote.

The President-elect will oversee the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as her first Olympic Games, with under 11 months to go to the Opening Ceremony.

Story by: Isaac Clottey