She was the favourite going into election day at the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite strong challengers like Seb Coe or Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, Kirsty Coventry was always the one to watch out for. With the support of outgoing President Thomas Bach in her corner, Coventry went into the contest strong.
While her manisfesto wasn’t the best received, the fact that Lord Coe had a fallout with the existing management over the monetary awards to Olympic gold medallists helped Coventry. Coe, in many ways, for a formidable candidate, but with the existing set up opposing him, it helped open up the race.
Samaranch, who has been in the game for three decades, was another strong adversary. Some had even suggested that he had the best chance.
To her credit, Coventry fought hard and won. In her victory speech, she thanked everyone and urged everyone to get together to continue with the mission to strengthen the Olympic movement.
As an athlete, the Zimbabwean won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 200m backstroke in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008), in addition to four silver and a bronze.
As the youngest and first female President, Coventry is a breath of fresh air for the IOC. Having said that she will have her task cut out when she deals with President Trump ahead of LA 2028. The gender issue was a major one in Paris and Trump’s position on the matter is well known. Coventry will have to be diplomatic and ensure that LA28 is all on track.
For India with Mrs Ambani as IOC member, a woman President is a welcome development. More so with Coventry coming from the global south and representing Africa. How India garners support for its 2036 bid will be interesting to see going forward.
For the moment, it is a step forward for the IOC. To have its first female and youngest ever President should help give the Olympic movement a makeover that it perhaps needs.
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