IOC elects first female president amid political controversy
Kirsty Coventry became the first woman to head the International Olympic Committee, a historic moment for the organisation. However, her election has raised controversies related to the electoral process and her political career.
- Kirsty Coventry was elected as the IOC president during the 144th Session in Costa Navarino, defeating six other candidates.
- Controversies concern her political ties in Zimbabwe and the electoral process, which has been criticised for its lack of transparency.
- The official transfer of office will take place on 23 June, and her term will last eight years.
During the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Kirsty Coventry received 49 votes, which was precisely the number needed to secure a majority. This ensured her victory in the first round. She was the youngest candidate and the only woman among the contenders to succeed Thomas Bach. Her election is seen as a sign of progress in an organisation that did not have women members until 1981. The 41-year-old is the youngest person to head the IOC and the first from Africa.
The sports community's reactions to Coventry's election are generally favourable. IOC member Maja Włoszczowska expressed pride in electing the first woman to this position. A powerful message is sent to the world: women can be leaders," she emphasised. On the other hand, voices are criticising the electoral process.
Controversies after the election of the IOC chairwoman
As reported by media before the start of the 144th IOC Session, the former swimmer had strong support from the outgoing Bach. The German denied lobbying on her behalf, emphasising that the elections were conducted fairly. However, it is noteworthy that most IOC members voting on Thursday were appointed by Bach, who led the organisation since 2013.
Following the elections, voices criticised not only the limited campaign that candidates could afford—brief presentations behind closed doors at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne in January were the only official campaign event—but also the veiled and restrictive voting process.
However, Coventry's election received the most criticism due to her political ties in Zimbabwe. In 2008, after winning four Olympic medals in Beijing, including one gold, the then-president of the country, Robert Mugabe, whose rule was marked by brutal repression and economic ruin, called her the "golden girl" and awarded her a financial prize of £80,000. The world did not view this decision favourably, as Zimbabwe faced significant food shortages and inflation. The athlete donated part of the money to charity and tried to refrain from commenting on political matters.
However 2018, two years after ending her sports career, she accepted a nomination as Minister of Sport from Mugabe's successor—the equally controversial Emmerson Mnangagwa. The current president of Zimbabwe is known as "The Crocodile" for his ruthlessness and political cunning, and he has been sanctioned for corruption and human rights abuses.
Her ties to Mnangagwa raise doubts about whether she is the right person to lead an organisation like the IOC. Addressing the concerns, Coventry stated:
"I don't believe you can really create change if you don't have a seat at the table. It's not been the easiest thing but I have had incredible support and we are making a difference. Having to navigate very sensitive issues has definitely given me extra 'armour' if I can put it that way for what [the IOC] will face in in the future, and we're going to have to navigate difficult leaders that have different opinions on things," she said, as quoted by the BBC.
