Kirsti Coventre hopes to send his election as the first woman and African president at the International Olympic Committee.
The 41-year-old swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, won the majority of 97 votes in Thursday’s first round of elections, while Lord Koei won only eight votes.
Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister Coventre will replace Thomas Bach, who has been the leader of the IOC since
His first Olympics in February 2026 will be the Milan-Corteina Winter.
“It’s really a strong signal. It’s a sign that we are really global and we have developed to an organization that is really open to diversity and we will continue on that path in the next eight years,” Coventre said.
Juan Antonio Samarng Jr., who won 28 votes, while David Lappartiste and Mourinary of the Japanese Mourinary won four votes each. Prince Fisal al-Husseini in Jordan and Johann Ilia in Sweden both took two.
Coventre, who has previously sits in the IOC board and is said to have been the 10th most sporting office, has been in office for at least eight years.
Coventre VI has won eight Zimbabwe’s eighty Olympic medals – including gold in the 200-meter rear games in both 2004 and 2008.
“The young girl who started swimming for the first time in Zimbabwe could never dream of this moment,” Coventre said.
“I’m particularly proud to be the first iOC president of IOC, and I’m the first person in Africa.
“I hope this vote will be an inspiration for many people.
During his acceptance speech, Coventre described his election as an “extraordinary moment,” and promised to be proud of their choice.
During his election campaign, Koventre promised modernity, promotion of continuity, technology and strengthening athletes.
He emphasized the protection of female sport, supporting the ban on gender-changing blankets in competing in the female Olympics.