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Kirsty Coventry Inaugurated as First Female and African IOC President

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Kirsty Coventry Inaugurated as First Female and African IOC President

Key AspectDetails
Event DateJune 23, 2025
Occasion131st anniversary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Historic InaugurationKirsty Coventry becomes first female and first African IOC President
LocationOlympic House, Lausanne, Switzerland
Handover SymbolReceived symbolic Olympic key from outgoing president Thomas Bach
Term DurationEight-year presidency for Coventry
Kirsty Coventry's BackgroundTwo-time Olympic gold medallist, former Zimbabwean Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation
Outgoing PresidentThomas Bach (served 12-year term), now Honorary President
Ceremony HighlightsTemporary structure inspired by Paris's Grand Palais (nod to 2024 Olympics)
Coventry's Leadership FocusInclusivity, athlete empowerment, collaborative decision-making
Immediate PrioritiesClosed-door session with 100 IOC members to discuss engagement
Upcoming Major DecisionSelection of 2036 Olympic host city (bids from Asia & Middle East)
Notable AttendeeNita Ambani (IOC member, supporting India's hosting aspirations)

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