Kirsty Coventry is the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Zimbabwean needed just one round of voting to succeed Thomas Bach, who stepped down after 12 years in office. The German was elected to the post in 2013.

The decision is historic as it marks the first time a woman will lead the IOC in the committee’s 131-year history. Coventry, a 41-year-old former swimmer and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is not only the first woman to lead the IOC, but also the first African and the youngest to be elected to the position.

World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe was among the favourites to be the new president at the IOC’s Session in Greece, but Coventry won 49 of the 97 votes available in the first round of voting. Her runner-up, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., received 28 votes, while Coe received 8.

Coventry, who was already on the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board and was Bach's preferred candidate, becomes the 10th person to hold the position, and will lead the organization for at least the next eight years. She has won seven of Zimbabwe's eight Olympic medals, including 200m backstroke titles at the 2004 and 2008 Games in Athens and Beijing respectively.

"The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe so many years ago never dreamed of this moment. I am truly proud to become the first female IOC president, and the first from Africa. I hope this vote will inspire many people around the world. I am fully aware of my responsibilities," said Coventry, who beat off competition from six other male candidates.

During her presidential campaign, Coventry promised to modernize, promote sustainability, embrace technology, and inspire athletes. Her platform focused on women's sports and their protection, supporting a complete ban on transgender women from women's Olympic sports. | BGNES