A woman at the head of world sport

At 41, Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry makes history as the youngest ever President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

From sport to politics, this woman from the African continent has broken the glass ceiling.

“This is not only a great honor, but also a reminder to all of you that I will lead this organization with great pride, with our values. I hope, full of confidence, that you are all proud of the decision you have made,” she told the IOC members.

With 49 votes out of 97, Kirsty Coventry beat the six other candidates.

With seven Olympic medals to her name, including two gold medals in the 200m backstroke (2004 and 2008), and three world titles in the deep end, the new IOC President is the greatest African swimmer in history.

A former athlete, she is committed to ensuring that the athletes voices are always heard, because that’s how we know what they want from us, through the Athletes Commission, ensuring that we listen to exactly what athletes need, and how we can work to protect and support them.