FACTFILE ON KIRSTY COVENTRY, THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Age 41: (Born Harare, 16th September 1983)

Nationality: Zimbabwe

Achievements:

*2000: Became first Zimbabwean swimmer to reach an Olympic semi in Sydney

*2000: Named Zimbabwe's Sportswoman of the Year.

*2004: Won three medals, including gold in the 200m backstroke, at Athens Olympics.

*2005: Won two golds at Montreal world swimming championships in 100m and 200m backstroke.

*2007: Won two silvers at the world championships in Melbourne.

*2008: Defended Olympic 200m backstroke gold in Beijing and won three other silvers.

*2009: Won the world championship 200m backstroke in a world record in Rome

*2013: Became IOC member.

*2016: Made her fifth and last Olympic appearance before retiring.

*2018 (to 2021): Chairperson of the IOC Athlete Commission.

*2019: Appointed Minister of Sports, Arts and Recreation in Zimbabwe

*2023: Reappointed Zimbabwe's Minister of Sports, Art and Recreation.

*2025: Became the first African and first female to be elected IOC president.

IOC election stance:

* Claimed in her manifesto that the IOC must prioritise athletes' mental health and physical recovery throughout their careers and beyond while counting on the expertise of International Federations at various events.

* Also seeks a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, doping and unethical behaviour.

LIST OF PRESIDENTS OF THE IOC SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1894:

2025: Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe)

2013-2025: Thomas Bach (Germany)

2001-2013: Jacques Rogge (Belgium)

1980-2001: Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain)

1972-1980: Michael Morris (Ireland)

1952-1972: Avery Brundage (US)

1942-1952: Sigfrid Edstrom (Sweden)

1925-1942: Henri de Baillet-Latour (Belgium)

1896-1925: Pierre de Coubertin (France)

1894-1896: Demetrius Vikelas (Greece)