Behind the closed doors within a complex in the west of Greece, members of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday chose the first chair of the largest world sports organization.
Kirsty Coventry will become the tenth President of the IOC after members of the world would cast their secret vote and have won the 41 -year -old young man in the first ballot. He will replace the outgoing president Thomas Bach, who has been doing his job since 2013, in June.
« I am incredibly honest and excited to be elected chairman of the International Olympic Committee. I really would like to thank my trustworthy companions for their confidence and support, » said Coventry, who won an eight -year -old term in 2033.
« The young woman who started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment. I am especially proud to be the first President of the IOC, and also the first in Africa. I hope this vote is an inspiration for many people. The glass ceilings have been destroyed today and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a model. »
Coventry was seven times a medalist in the Zimbabwe pool for five Olympic Games, competing recently in Rio in 2016. He was twice an Olympic champion in the 200 -meter back stroke.
« We have work together »
In addition to being the first female president, she will be the second youngest to run the organization and the first from Africa.
« I will make all of you, very proud and hopefully extremely confident in the decision you have made, » Coventry said in his acceptance speech. « We now have work together. »
Coventry’s victory was also a victory for Bach, which has long been considered as his successor. Did not use his right to vote.
« Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry for his election as the tenth President of the IOC, » he said. « It welcomes the decision of the members of the IOC and I expect a strong cooperation, especially during the transitional period.
Walking to the podium, he was congratulated and kissed the two cheeks for Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who was his long -awaited opponent in the vote.
There were also four presidents of the sports governing bodies: Sebastian Coe of Track and Field, Johan Eliasch of Skiing, David Lapparient de Cycling and Morinary Watanabe of Gymnastics. Prince Feisal in Hussein was also the Feisal Prince of Jordan.
Coventry will formally replace his mentor Bach on June 23, officially Olympic Day, as the tenth president of the IOC in his 131 years of history. Bach reached the maximum of 12 years in office.
The key challenges for Coventry will be to direct the Olympic movement through political and sports issues towards the summer games of 2028 in Los Angeles, including the participation of diplomacy with the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
The Coventry IOC will also have to find a host for the 2036 Summer Games that could go to India or to the Middle East.
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