“Seismic”, “groundbreaking”, “landmark”. These are all words that have been used to describe Kirsty Coventry’s appointment as the next IOC President, after she swept to victory in the leadership election on 20 March 2025, winning more votes than the other six male candidates combined. The 41-year-old Zimbabwean will become the second youngest[1], first female and first African to hold the role in the IOC’s 130-year history.

“I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people… Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.”

(Kirsty Coventry, 20 March 2025)

The reaction of the global sports community to Ms Coventry’s election has largely been positive, with her rivals magnanimous in defeat. However, as outlined below, there are some commentators who point to the alleged airbrushing of political controversies, and others who say that her appointment will ensure a “continuation of the same” given that Ms Coventry is already on the IOC Executive Board[2] and was acknowledged as the favoured candidate of outgoing President Thomas Bach.

In this article I will examine:

• Why Ms Coventry’s electoral success has divided opinion in some quarters;
• The bases on which she campaigned, and how her manifesto differed to those of her rivals;
• The potential impact of her appointment on a practical level; and
• What Ms Coventry’s immediate challenges may be when she formally takes up the IOC Presidency in June.