Kirsty Coventry is a Zimbabwean swimmer, politician, and sports administrator who has recently made history by being elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Born on September 16, 1983, in Harare, Zimbabwe, she is the most decorated African Olympian, with a total of seven Olympic medals across five Games from 2000 to 2016.
After retiring from competitive swimming, Coventry entered politics and has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation since 2018. Her tenure has faced criticism due to perceived inaction and lack of support for the arts community.
In March 2025, Coventry was elected as the president of the IOC, becoming the first woman and first African to hold this position in the organization’s 130-year history. She secured 49 out of 97 votes, surpassing notable candidates like Juan Antonio Samaranch and Sebastian Coe.
Her election is seen as a significant step towards diversity and gender equality in global sports leadership.