Coventry election ensures smooth continuity for IOC after Bach
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first female and first African to hold the position. Her election ensures continuity following Thomas Bach's departure in June. Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion and Zimbabwe's sports minister, was favored by Bach and is expected to maintain the IOC's current path, focusing on financial growth, expanding commercial opportunities, and engaging younger audiences through digital media.
Key Points
Kirsty Coventry was elected as the IOC president in the first round of voting on March 20, 2025.
She is the first female and first African to lead the IOC.
Coventry's election ensures continuity as Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013, departs in June.
Bach has significantly grown the IOC's finances and reach, and overhauled the structure of the Olympic Games.
Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion, has been a member of the IOC since 2013 and supported Bach's decisions, including the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
She beat six other candidates, including Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, Sebastian Coe, David Lappartient, Prince Feisal, Johan Eliasch, and Morinari Watanabe.
Her ties with the United States, stemming from her time as a swimmer at Auburn University, will be beneficial for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Coventry plans to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the success of the LA Games.
Her focus will be on increasing revenues, engaging younger viewers through digital media, and expanding commercial opportunities for sponsors.
