On March 20th, Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She is the first woman to hold the position in the organization that has existed since 1894. At a meeting held in Pilos, Greece, 49 members of the committee voted for her to replace Thomas Bach, who had been president since 2013. Bach’s term will end in June 2025. The number of votes in Kirsty’s favor was enough to secure her victory in the first round.

Kirsty is a former swimmer from Zimbabwe, Africa, and an Olympic medalist with world records in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke events. With this new decision, the former athlete has also become the first person from Africa to hold the IOC’s highest office. The 41-year-old Olympic champion will head the committee for a term of eight years that could be extended to 12.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe so many years ago could never have dreamt of this moment. “I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people,” said Kirsty after her victory was announced.

COB vice-president celebrates decision

In Brazil, the position of vice-president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) is also held by a woman: Yane Marques. She has been in the position since January 2025, as the vice to Marco La Porta. Yane is the first woman in the position in COB’s history. Yane is an Olympic medalist, a pentathlete, a two-time Pan American Games champion, and the only Latin American to hold an Olympic medal in modern pentathlon. The vice-president celebrated Kirsty’s victory:“Another unprecedented event has taken place: for the first time, a woman has been elected president of the IOC. Really cool and historic. Kirsty Coventry is a mother, a former athlete, holds seven Olympic medals and has a long mission for the next eight years. I’m very happy. Kirsty, you represent me,” said Yane in an official statement from the COB.

What are Olympic committees?

They are the non-governmental entities that manage Olympic sports. Brazil’s COB was created in 1914 and represents the country at the Olympic, Pan-American, and South American Games. The IOC is responsible for organizing and promoting the Olympics. The IOC has had nine presidents since its inception in 1894.

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