Nit is difficult to believe: “I wouldn’t have imagined it even in my dreams as a African girl”, these are the first words of Kristy Coventry when the result was clear. The former Zimbabwe swimmer 41 years old, two Olympic golds and three World Cup in the back, minister of youth and sport to hararehe is the first women’s president in 131 years of history of the International Olympic Committee. The first President Donna is also the first African president. The historical session 144 of the IOC took place in the resort of Costa Navarino, in Greece. “I am perfectly aware of the model I represent: I hope to be inspired for many girls all over the world, “he added.
Kirsty Coventry, new president of the IOC
Thus breaks one of the most solid crystal ceilings in the contemporary world. Kristy Coventry defeated the six rival candidates for measure, including four presidents of federations: Coe (athletics), Watanabe (gymnastics), Eliasch (ski) and Lappartient (cycling). Plus the son of the former president of the Cio Juan Antonio Samaranch and Prince Giordano Feisal al-Hussein.
Coventry 49, Samaranch Junior 28, Coe 8, Watanabe 4, Lappartient 4, Al-Hussein 2, Eliasch 2. This is the outcome of the bare after the first, decisive, vote.
Kirsty Coventry keeps the first speech after the election as president of the International Olympic Committee. (Photo by Milos Bichski/Getty Images)
Who is the former swimmer first woman at the head of the International Olympic Committee
The new president is a legend of swimmingwith eight Olympic medals for the assets. Including two golds in the 200 back in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and seven world titles. After the competitive retreat, he held important roles in international sport, including Minister of Sport of the Zimbabwe and President of the IOC athletes Commission.
Also founded the Kirsty Coventry Academy To promote swimming and sports education between young people and adults in Zimbabwe and the non-profit organization Heroesengaged in youth development and education in Africa. Coventry is president of the Coordination Committee for the Dakar 2026 youthful Olympic Games and the BRISBANE 2032 Olympic Games
A triumph: the crystal ceiling is shattered
The former champion of swimming was indicated as a favorite but Nobody thought his could be such a triumph. Coventry receives the witness driving the maximum world sports body that organizes the Olympic Games, to which 206 National Olympic Committees refer, by the outgoing president Thomas Bach (who became honorary president).
The handover with Bach will take place only on June 24th. But Coventry has already indicated the road. “Sport has a unique power to unite: my mandate will be aimed at increasing that power, because through sport this becomes a better world”.
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