Did Kristy Coventry Just Become the IOC's First Female President?

Lausanne (Switzerland), June 23 (NationPress) Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry has been officially inaugurated as the president of the International Olympic Committee after Thomas Bach ceremoniously handed her the keys to the Olympic House during a formal handover event held here on Monday.

Coventry was elected as the 10th president of the IOC and made history as the first female leader of the committee, following a vote at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, earlier this March. "In this spirit of gratitude, confidence, and joy, I transfer the keys of the Olympic House to Mrs. Kirsty Coventry, the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee," Bach stated.

She was chosen through a secret ballot by the IOC Members for a term lasting eight years, succeeding Bach, who completed a 12-year presidency.

"As my term as IOC president concludes, I am profoundly thankful because I have never walked this journey alone. I extend my gratitude to many, especially to you, my esteemed fellow IOC members. Your trust, support, and friendship have sustained me during my presidency.

"From the start, the Olympic agenda has been our guiding compass... We have implemented reforms, rejuvenated, and united around the values that embody our Olympic Movement. The path we traversed was not always straightforward, but we overcame even the toughest challenges by standing united," Bach reflected in his speech.

Bach was also honored with the Olympic Order in Gold by the newly elected president Coventry, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to global sports and dedication to the Olympic ideals.

"This is the Olympic family. I consider it one of my greatest privileges to do this today. President Bach, I have observed your remarkable journey over the years. It is a significant honor as a movement that we bestow this recognition to you. For your fervor, dedication, and purpose, I am thrilled to present you with the Olympic Order in Gold as my inaugural Olympic Order.

"In recent weeks, numerous memories have been shared among us, including with President Bach, and many of these moments resonate with common themes: passion, purpose, respect, values, and togetherness. This legacy will endure with us for a considerable time. You are not merely a leader, but a friend to many. Thank you for your dedication and the time you and Claudia have invested in our movement.

"Mr. President, Thomas Bach, in recognition of your significant contributions to global sports and your loyalty to the Olympic ideals as exemplified by Pierre de Coubertin, the Renovator of the Olympic Games, I take great honor in awarding you the Olympic Order in Gold," Coventry proclaimed.

Coventry made her Olympic debut in Sydney in 2000 and participated in four events, although she did not secure any medals. Four years later in Athens, she achieved success, winning three medals and becoming the first athlete from Zimbabwe to earn an individual gold, excelling in the 200m backstroke.

She continued to represent her country in two additional Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro before retiring from competitive swimming after the 2016 Games. She concluded her Olympic swimming career with a remarkable tally of seven medals (the highest by any African athlete), including two golds.