KIRSTY COVENTRY BEGINS HISTORIC IOC ROLE WITH BIG DREAMS
By: Gyang Dakwo
Kirsty Coventry, former Olympic swimmer and Africa’s most successful Olympian, is stepping into history as the first woman to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In her first interview since being elected, Coventry spoke with excitement and honesty about the journey ahead.
After her election, Coventry returned home to Zimbabwe, where she received a warm and emotional welcome from her people. She then took a short break in nature, spending four days on safari to relax and reflect before moving to Lausanne, Switzerland, to begin her new role. She described the transition as a “wonderful whirlwind,” thanking the IOC team for their support.
Coventry said she does not see the role as a burden, but as a great responsibility. She knows there are high expectations, but she is proud and ready to serve. She believes leading the IOC is a natural next step in her long commitment to the Olympic movement.
She shared how becoming a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission changed her. Having a voice in important discussions made her feel empowered, and she worked with others to change how athletes are seen and supported. She said her purpose, since she was nine years old, has always been tied to the Olympics, first as an athlete and now as a leader.
Coventry also spoke about her deep love for Zimbabwe and her desire to give back. Through the Kirsty Coventry Foundation, she helped children from poor communities by creating safe spaces where they could play sports like soccer, netball, rugby, and basketball. In just six months, over 6,000 children took part. She said nothing beat seeing the joy on their faces every Saturday.
Although the foundation slowed down during her time as Minister of Sport and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Coventry said she hopes to restart it soon and make it even stronger.
As she begins her historic new role, Coventry remains grounded in the values that shaped her: service, passion, and the power of sport to change lives.
