Kirsty Coventry newly elected IOC President - Congratulations from the FIL-Family

Costa Navarino (FIL/20 Mar 2025) At the 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee on March 20, 2025, Kirsty Coventry was elected as the new IOC President. The decision on the successor to Thomas Bach dominated the session in Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese in Greece.

Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the first female President in IOC history, following 1 round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.

Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.*

President-elect Coventry said: "I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those 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. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model.

“Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can't wait to get started!"

After the election, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come.”

“On behalf of the International Luge Federation (FIL), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as the first female President of the IOC. This is a landmark moment for the Olympic Movement, reflecting the progress and commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport. Kirsty Coventry’s dedication to the Olympic values and her remarkable career as an Olympic Champion and leader will undoubtedly inspire future generations. We look forward to collaborating with her in shaping the future of sport and the Olympic Games”, FIL President Einars Fogelis said after the election in Greece and added:

“At the same time, we express our deepest gratitude to Thomas Bach for his outstanding leadership and vision during his tenure as IOC President in the last 12 years. His commitment to the Olympic Movement, particularly through the transformative Olympic Agenda reforms, has strengthened and modernized the Games for the benefit of athletes, federations, and fans worldwide. The unanimous decision to elect him as Honorary President for Life is a testament to his invaluable contributions”, said Einars Fogelis.