Kirsty Coventry takes office as 10th IOC President

Two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe officially took office as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday after receiving the golden key from her predecessor Thomas Bach.

As the first woman and first African President in the history of the IOC, Coventry will start her eight-year term as the most powerful sports administrator in the world. The 41-year-old won the 200-meter backstroke gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and then again in Beijing four years later.

"As the Olympic movement, as federations, as NOCs (National Olympic Committees), as our sponsors and our partners, we are the guardians of this incredible platform," Coventry said. "And it's not just about a multi-sport event. It's a platform to inspire. It's a platform to change lives. And it's a platform to bring hope. These are not things taken lightly, and I'm looking forward to working with each and every one of you to make sure that we continue to inspire, continue to change lives, and in our divided world today, continue to be a beacon of hope. I am really honored that I get to walk this journey with you, and I cannot wait for anything that lies ahead because I know I have the best team to support me and our movement in these next eight years."

Outgoing President Bach, who led the IOC from 2013 to 2025, officially concluded his tenure. A former Olympic fencing winner, Bach championed wide-reaching reforms during his presidency, including Olympic Agenda 2020, a restructured bidding process, and increased autonomy as well as financial support for host cities. In recognition of his leadership, the IOC awarded him the title of Lifetime Honorary President.

"With her election, you have also sent a powerful message to the world," Bach said. "The IOC continues to evolve. As the first female and first African to hold this position and indeed the youngest IOC president since Pierre de Coubertin, she reflects the truly global nature and the youthful, forward-looking spirit of our Olympic community. She has a new voice that resonates with the young generation. This is why I say full of confidence from tomorrow on with Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic Movement will be in the best of hands. This is why I'm at peace. This is why my heart is full of gratitude, full of confidence, full of joy."