Kirsty Coventry — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since June 2025, the first woman and first African to hold this position.
Most decorated African Olympian, having won 7 individual Olympic medals (2 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze) across 5 Olympic Games.
Served in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe as Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation from September 2018 to March 2025.
Holds positions as Vice-President of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and the International Surfing Federation, and is a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Established the Kirsty Coventry Academy and learn-to-swim programs focused on youth development in Zimbabwe.

Biography

Kirsty Coventry is a Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former competitive swimmer, currently serving as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since June 2025. She is the first woman, the first Zimbabwean, and the first African to hold this prestigious position. Prior to her election as IOC President, Coventry served in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe as the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation from September 2018 to March 2025.