Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry elected as the IOC’s first female president

Zimbabwe’s sports minister Kirsty Coventry has made history after she was elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She becomes the first woman, the first African and the youngest person to hold the position.

Coventry (41) beat World Athletics boss Lord Coe who was favourite to win Thursday’s election. As a swimmer, Coventry who won two Olympic gold medals and will now replace German Thomas Bach – who had held the IOC presidency since 2013.

“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment,” said Coventry, who beat six male rivals to win the vote.

“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.”