Kirsty Coventry confirmed as new president of International Olympic Committee, replacing Thomas Bach

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed Kirsty Coventry as its new president. The Zimbabwean replaces Thomas Bach, as the 10th person to take on the role. Coventry is also the first woman to be elected International Olympic Committee president. The announcement was made at an IOC session in Costa Navarino, Greece on Thursday afternoon.

‘This is an extraordinary moment’ - Coventry elected as first woman IOC president

Video credit: TNT Sports

Kirsty Coventry has been named as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Zimbabwean is the 10th person to take on the role, and the first woman to assume the position.

The 41-year-old, who won swimming gold medals in backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, saw off competition from Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe, to replace Thomas Bach.

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"I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as president of the International Olympic Committee," Coventry said. "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."

Bach, the outgoing president, 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."

Bach's role as IOC president will come to an end on June 23, after which Coventry will take the reins for a term of eight years.

Disappointing result - Coe

Like Coventry, Coe won two Olympic golds - in Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984 - both in the 1500m.

The Brit was seen as one of the frontrunners but picked up eight votes, compared to Coventry’s 49, as she was confirmed as president after the first round of voting.

"It is important that an athlete is at the head of the movement, it will have the confidence of the athletes," Coe said. "Clearly, athletes voted in large numbers, together in particular with many of the female membership and that’s what it is.

"I wish her well, it is a massive, massive job."

Asked if he would have done anything different in his campaign, Coe said: "No.

"You can only do what is in front of you. What I tried to do was to really understand what the challenges were, articulate them, and then it was up to the membership.

"It’s a disappointing result, but that’s what happens when you go into elections."

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