Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s most decorated Olympian and a former swimming champion is looking to make history by becoming the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). If successful, she would also be the youngest to hold the position and the first leader from outside Europe or North America in the IOC’s 130-year history.

The 41-year-old is one of seven candidates vying to succeed Thomas Bach in March’s presidential election. Coventry’s platform centers on challenging norms, empowering female athletes, and using innovative approaches to make the IOC more inclusive and relevant.
Coventry has long been an advocate for gender equality and hopes her candidacy will inspire women across Africa and beyond. “I want to show people and women across Africa and the world: ‘Don’t be afraid of anything,'” Coventry told BBC Sport Africa.

She emphasized the need for African women to step up as leaders, adding, “It’s time for women in Africa to stand up and lead in their own way, without fear.” Since 2018, she has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Recreation while also leading IOC commissions overseeing preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Coventry’s vision for the IOC includes embracing new technologies like streaming and artificial intelligence (AI) to keep the Olympic movement relevant. “We saw NFL games being streamed on Netflix over Christmas,” she said. “What does that look like for the Olympics? Building on streaming platforms can help us reach new fans and create fresh revenue opportunities.”

She also sees AI as a tool to improve athletes’ access to training resources, medical support, and nutrition, particularly in underserved regions like Africa. As the only female candidate in the race, Coventry is committed to supporting women athletes, particularly on issues such as gender-based violence and motherhood.
She praised initiatives like nursing rooms at the Olympics and pledged to expand support programs for athlete mothers, including subsidizing travel for their children.
Coventry also addressed the need to amplify voices tackling sensitive issues, such as gender-based violence. She aims to connect Olympians engaged in advocacy with sponsors and philanthropists to extend their reach and impact.

Coventry stressed the importance of maintaining fairness in women’s sports, particularly regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes. “It’s our duty to ensure equal opportunity and fairness in competition,” she said, referencing existing medical and scientific research. Coventry supports consistent criteria across international federations while remaining open to evolving research and solutions.
Unlike other candidates, Coventry opposes prize money at the Olympics, arguing that resources should be allocated to improving global access to training and mental health programs.
“How do we impact all 10,500 athletes at the Summer Games and 3,000 at the Winter Games?” she asked. “I’d rather focus on programs that provide long-term benefits for athletes globally.”
Coventry faces competition from six other candidates, including France’s David Lappartient, Japan’s Morinari Watanabe, Prince Feisal al Hussein of Jordan, Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Sweden’s Johan Eliasch, and the UK’s Lord Sebastian Coe.
Despite the challenge, Coventry remains optimistic about her vision for the IOC. “I want to give back to the Olympic movement that has improved my life and ensure it evolves to inspire future generations.”