Kirsty Coventry highlights strong IOC-China ties after election

Kirsty Coventry emphasized the strong bond between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and China on Thursday in her first press conference after being elected IOC president.

"The relationship between the IOC and China is very strong, it always has been, and we will continue that way," Coventry said.

"For the IOC, we represent 206 National Olympic Committees and many different international federations so the relationships with every single individual is extremely important. And that would be something I would take my time with over the next few months, then again also with the IOC members. So the entire stakeholder group will be able to take time to really get to know each other and to strengthen on those relationships."

Coventry was elected as the 10th IOC president on Thursday, making history as the first woman and first African to lead the global Olympic movement.

The election was conducted through a secret ballot by over 100 IOC members during the 144th IOC Session in Greece. The 41-year-old won in the first round and will officially take office after June 23, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has served as president since 2013.

Gao Zhidan, director of China's General Administration of Sport and president of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC), wrote in a congratulatory letter that Coventry's election fully reflects the trust and support of the Olympic family.

Gao expressed confidence that under Coventry's leadership, the Olympic Movement will reach new heights. He added that the COC is committed to deepening its strategic partnership with the IOC and contributing to the reform and development of the Olympic Movement.

Shen Haixiong, president of CMG, also sent a congratulatory letter on behalf of CMG and its 50,000 employees. "The Olympic values you uphold align closely with CMG's commitment to advancing media innovation and promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning," Shen wrote. "I am confident in further deepening the friendly cooperation between CMG and the IOC."

Shen noted that with Bach's strong support, CMG and the IOC have built a solid friendship and carried out a series of fruitful collaborations. He added that CMG is actively preparing for the broadcast coverage and world feed production of the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.

"We will continue to deliver a spectacular Olympic audio-visual experience to global audiences and further promote the Olympic Movement and its values," Shen wrote.

(Cover: Newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry delivers remarks during her first press conference following her election, Costa Navarino, Greece, March 20, 2025. /VCG)