COSTA NAVARINO (GREECE) (ITALPRESS) – Kirsty Coventry is the new president of the IOC. A former swimmer, the 41-year-old Zimbabwean was elected at the 144th session of the International Olympic Committee in Costa Navarino, Greece. The 10th president in the history of the IOC, and the first woman at the helm of world sport, Coventry succeeds Thomas Bach, who will run out of office on June 23. “This is an extraordinary moment, a great honor, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the African executive’s first words.
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“This is an extraordinary moment, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” These are the first words of Kirsty Coventry, newly elected president of the IOC. “It is not only a great honor but also a reminder of my commitment to each of you,” she added, “I will make you proud, now let’s work together.
“The little girl who started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment,” Coventry said. “I am especially proud to be the first woman president of the IOC, and also the first African. I hope this vote is an inspiration to many people. Today the glass ceilings have been broken and I am fully aware of my responsibilities. Sport has an unparalleled power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to ensuring that I make the most of this power. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our solid foundation, embrace innovation and uphold the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright and I can’t wait to get started.”
After the election, IOC President Thomas Bach said, “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th president of the IOC. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future of our Olympic movement is bright and that the values we represent will continue to guide us in the years to come.”
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Born in Harare on September 16, 1983, she has been a great swimmer and is currently Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth and Sports. She has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2013 and served as chair of the IOC Athletes Commission. She attended and swam competitively for Auburn University in Alabama, USA. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, she won three medals (a gold in the 200 backstroke, a silver and a bronze), while at the 2008 Beijing Games she won four medals: the 200 backstroke gold and three silvers. In 2016 Coventry retired from swimming after her fifth five-ring participation. She is considered the dauphin of Thomas Bach.
– IPA Agency photo –
(ITALPRESS).
