Kirsty Coventry officially took office as new IOC President

Kirsty Coventry officially took office as the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday, June 23, 2025.

The official announcement took place at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, presided over by Thomas Bach, the outgoing President who held the position from 2013 to early 2025, and more than 700 distinguished guests including IOC members, athletes, and representatives of the Olympic Movement, delegates from international organizations, political leaders and IOC staff.

At the special announcement ceremony, Thomas Bach, currently the Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee, said: “Ms. Coventry brings a unique style and her own vision. She is a new leader, one who is attuned to the next generation. That is why I can say with confidence that from tomorrow, with Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic Movement will be in the best hands. That is why my heart is full of gratitude, full of confidence and full of joy.”

Ms. Coventry also recalled the merits of Thomas Bach's 12-year leadership and the support of her family and friends in the past.

In the election of the International Olympic Committee members in March 2025, Kirsty Coventry received 49 out of 97 votes out of six other candidates and became the first non-male IOC president in the history of the Olympic Movement.

It should be reminded that, Kirsty Coventry, a 41-year-old Zimbabwean, was also a top athlete in Zimbabwe and one of the top athletes in Africa. She was also the former Minister of Youth and Sports of Zimbabwe between 2018 and 2025.