Kirsty Coventry becomes the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee

Why in the news?

• Recently, 41-year-old Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe has been elected the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

Election and tenure:

• Election: 20 March 2025, at the 144th IOC Session held in Greece
• Assumption: 23 June 2025 (Olympic Day)
• Presidential term: 8 years (until 2033)
• Former President: Thomas Bach (will step down on 23 June 2025)

Historical achievements:

• First female and first African IOC president
• Winner of 7 Olympic medals (2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze)
• Gold medallist at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics

Administrative experience:

• Current role: Minister of Sports, Arts and Entertainment of Zimbabwe (since 2018)
• IOC affiliation:
  • 2013: Elected IOC member
  • 2018: Became Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission
  • 2017-2024: Vice President of International Surfing Federation

IOC and Presidential Elections:

• Founded: 1894, Paris, France
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Founder: Pierre de Coubertin (Father of the modern Olympics)
• Function: To Organise the Summer and Winter Olympics
• Election Process: IOC members elect the president
• Indian member: Nita Ambani