Kirsty Coventry elected as IOC's first female President

Two time Olympic medallist Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the International Olympic Committee's first female President by an overwhelming majority.

The 41-year-old former swimmer and Zimbabwean sports minister will succeed outgoing President Thomas Bach who has been in office since 2013. 

She beat off stiff competition from six other men to clinch the number one position in the World's wealthiest sport body. 

As the new IOC president, Coventry will now be tasked with steering the Olympic Movement into a new era, overseeing future Games and addressing key challenges such as rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and the evolving landscape of global sports governance.

In addition to being the only African to have ever held the role, Coventry also makes history as the youngest person to ever occupy the position of IOC President. 

She believes that funding young athletes early in their careers would help level the playing field, especially for nations with fewer resources. 

In her acceptance speech, Coventry said  "The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed 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."

Coventry becomes the tenth person to hold the IOC President position and will remain in office for at least.

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