Kirsty Coventry Inaugurated as First Female and African IOC President
Key Aspect | Details |
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Event Date | June 23, 2025 |
Occasion | 131st anniversary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) |
Historic Inauguration | Kirsty Coventry becomes first female and first African IOC President |
Location | Olympic House, Lausanne, Switzerland |
Handover Symbol | Received symbolic Olympic key from outgoing president Thomas Bach |
Term Duration | Eight-year presidency for Coventry |
Kirsty Coventry's Background | Two-time Olympic gold medallist, former Zimbabwean Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation |
Outgoing President | Thomas Bach (served 12-year term), now Honorary President |
Ceremony Highlights | Temporary structure inspired by Paris's Grand Palais (nod to 2024 Olympics) |
Coventry's Leadership Focus | Inclusivity, athlete empowerment, collaborative decision-making |
Immediate Priorities | Closed-door session with 100 IOC members to discuss engagement |
Upcoming Major Decision | Selection of 2036 Olympic host city (bids from Asia & Middle East) |
Notable Attendee | Nita Ambani (IOC member, supporting India's hosting aspirations) |