Lord Sebastian Coe misses out on role as president of IOC as Kirsty Coventry makes history

Lord Coe, who entered the race as an outsider, failed to secure victory against rivals who were more favoured by the IOC establishment.

The British peer had stood apart from other candidates with some of his policies, including a controversial stance advocating for a blanket ban on transgender women competing in women’s sports.

Kirsty Coventry has made history by becoming the first woman elected as president of the International Olympic Committee

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Coventry’s election marks a significant milestone in the 131-year history of the Olympic movement.

She becomes the IOC’s 10th leader, breaking new ground as the organisation’s first female president since its founding.

Coventry brings impressive credentials to her new role as a two-time Olympic gold medallist in swimming.

She currently serves as Zimbabwe’s sports minister, combining political experience with her athletic background.

Mrs Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino. pic.twitter.com/Dv8Tfbecf6

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) March 20, 2025

The 41-year-old has long been viewed as the preferred successor to outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach.

Her manifesto offered almost complete continuity with Bach’s policies.

Coventry previously served as athlete representative on the Bach-chaired IOC executive board between 2018 and 2021.

During this period, she did little to expand the athlete commercial rights that had been proposed by her competitors.

Her close alignment with Bach’s vision likely helped secure her position as his successor.

Bach formally leaves office on Olympic Day, 23 June, after serving his maximum term of 12 years.

The election process took place largely behind closed doors in what has been described as a Conclave-style process.

The final vote was conducted at the luxury resort of Costa Navarino in Greece.

Speaking after her historic victory, Coventry expressed gratitude to her colleagues.

“Dear president and my very dear colleagues, this is an extraordinary moment,” she said.

Lord Sebastian Coe had entered the race to be IOC president as an outsider

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“Thank you from the bottom of my heart and now we’ve got some work together.”

A day before her victory, Coventry had signalled her readiness for leadership.

“Let’s create some change, let’s make sure that happens,” she stated on Wednesday.