Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female African IOC President at 41

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Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry shattered a 130-year glass ceiling by becoming the first woman and first African to lead the International Olympic Committee.

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The 41-year-old swimming legend secured a commanding victory with 49 out of 97 votes, defeating heavyweights including Sebastian Coe.

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A seven-time Olympic medalist, Coventry's back-to-back golds in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 made her Zimbabwe's most celebrated athlete.

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"I have been dealing with difficult men in high positions since I was 20 years old," Coventry fired back when asked about handling Donald Trump for LA 2028.

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Her role as sports minister under Zimbabwe's controversial President Mnangagwa has raised eyebrows in international circles.

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Coventry promises to "protect the female category" in sports amid ongoing debates about transgender athlete participation

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Taking office in June 2025, she plans to unite competing factions and make the Olympics more relevant to younger generations.

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Critics point to Zimbabwe's ban from hosting national team games since 2020 as a failure during her ministerial tenure

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Glass ceilings have been shattered today," Coventry declared after her historic win that rewrites Olympic leadership history

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