Behind closed doors inside a resort in western Greece, members of the International Olympic Committee elected the first president of the largest international sports organization on Thursday.
Kirsty Coventry will become the tenth president of IOC after members of all over the world made their secret votes and exchanged 41 -year -old in the first ballot. The outgoing president, Thomas Bach, will replace the job since 2013, in June.
“I am incredible and excited to elect the president of the International Olympic Committee. I want to thank my fellow members for their confidence and support,” said Coventry, who gets an eight -year authorization in 2033.
“The little girl who started swimming for the first time in Zimbabwe was throughout those years that had not dreamed of this moment. I am especially proud to be the first president of the International Immigration Organization, and also the first of Africa. I hope this vote will be an inspiration for many people. The glass ceilings have been destroyed today, and I fully realize my responsibilities as a role model.”
Coventry had a seven -time medal in the Zimbabwe Group for five Olympic matches, and recently competed in Rio in 2016. She was an Olympic champion in a 200 -meter back blow.
“We have some work together”
In addition to being the first female president, the second youngest will lead the organization and the first of Africa.
“I will make you all very proud and I hope you will be very confident in the decision I made,” Coventry said in her acceptance speech. “Now we have some work together.”
Coventry’s victory was also a victory for Bach, who had long been seen as succeeding her. He did not use his right to vote.
“Our congratulations to the Kovantry Churchs on its election as head of the tenth countries,” he said. “I warmly welcome the decision of the members of the International Olympic Committee and I look forward to strong cooperation, especially during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future of our Olympic movement is bright and that the values in which we continue will continue to guide us over the coming years.”
She walked to the platform, was congratulated and accepted on both the cheeks by Juan Antonio Samranech Junior, who was closest to her expected rival to vote.
Also in the race, there were four presidents of the sporting government agencies: the path, Sebastian Coe, Morenari Watanabi of skiing, Cycling’s David Lappartient, and Gymnastics Morinari Watanabe. Prince Weissal Al -Hussein was also from Jordan.
Coventry will replace its Bach on June 23-the official Olympic day-head of the tenth IOC in its 131-year-old history. Bach has reached the maximum of 12 years in the office.
The main challenges facing Coventry are to direct the Olympic movement through political and sports issues towards the 2028 summer games in Los Angeles, including engaging in diplomacy with US President Donald Trump.
IOC from Coventry will also need to find a 2036 summer gaming host that can go to India or the Middle East.
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