Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry aims to make history as first African and female International Olympic Committee president

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry, a celebrated Olympian and the current Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

Kirsty Coventry [Image: VOA]

Coventry, 41, stands out as the only woman and African among the seven shortlisted candidates. 

The election for the new IOC president is slated for March next year, following the end of Thomas Bach's term. 

Bach, who opted not to pursue a third term, leaves a position historically dominated by Europeans, with eight out of the nine past presidents hailing from Europe. The sole exception was from the United States.

Coventry's candidacy breaks significant ground as the youngest contender, with the potential to become the first woman and African to lead the IOC. 

The last woman to compete for this role was Anita DeFrantz in 2001, who exited in the first round of voting.

The other candidates include:

1. HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein

2. Lord Sebastian Coe

3. Johan Eliasch

4. David Lappartient

5. Juan Antonio Samaranch

6. Morinari Watanabe

Born in 1983, Coventry is eligible for re-election as an IOC Member until she reaches 70, with a potential extension until 2057 under specific Olympic Charter provisions.

Candidates will present their programs to the full IOC membership during a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, in January 2025, showcasing their visions for the future of the Olympic movement.