For 130 years, the Olympics have been a symbol of progress. Wilma Rudolph outran polio to claim triple gold. Nadia Comaneci redefined perfection. Eliud Kipchoge shattered the two-hour marathon barrier. Every generation, the Games deliver a moment that changes everything. But some traditions remain unbroken. And this March, a new race is unfolding—not on the track, not in the pool, but in the halls of power. And for the first time, history itself may be created.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to elect a new president in March 2025. The election will take place during the 144th IOC Session, where members will vote to decide who will succeed Thomas Bach, who has led the organization since 2013. Kirsty Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Zimbabwe and the former chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, has come up as a favourite, and if elected, she would become the first woman to lead the IOC in the 130 years of its history. She faces competition from six male candidates, including long-standing members with deep ties to Olympic governance.

For Coventry, the journey from the pool to the ballot is a familiar test of endurance. She has already served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, chaired the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and played a key role in athlete-centered reforms.  “I don’t think it’s just about gender, the same way that I don’t think it’s just about being the only African candidate,” the Zimbabwean sports minister told BBC Sport. “It really is about, ‘what does the movement need today‘?, she further added. “I think being a double Olympic champion and having the experiences that I’ve had within our movement and outside, all bring a lot of value to ensuring I could lead this organisation.” Indeed, the 42-year-old has proved her mettle not just as a terrific swimmer by claiming 7 Olympic medals, her extensive experience in leadership and administrative roles also speaks volumes about her capabilities.

With her background as an Olympic champion and former chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, her campaign has drawn significant attention and some within the Olympic movement have speculated that she may be the preferred choice of outgoing president Thomas Bach, who is set to step down after 12 years in charge.

However, the Olympic swimmer remains clear that the election is an open contest. When asked about being perceived as his favored successor, she responded: “He’s allowed the candidates to do what we need to do and talk to the members, and it’s [their] decision. He’s been fair to all of the candidates.”

Presidents IOC: 

• Pierre de Coubertin (France) – President (1896–1925)
• Henri de Baillet-Latour (Belgium) – President (1925–1942)
• J. Sigfrid Edström (Sweden) – President (1946–1952)
• Avery Brundage (USA) – President (1952–1972)
• Lord Killanin (Ireland) – President (1972–1980)
• Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain) – President (1980–2001)
• Jacques Rogge (Belgium) – President (2001–2013)
• Thomas Bach (Germany) – President (2013–Present)

But will the old guard listen? Will found out!  But one thing is sure: Kirsty Coventry has a solid resume.

Kirsty Coventry brings a solid resume

Kirsty Coventry is not only Zimbabwe’s top Olympic athlete but a worldwide sports icon with a life story that resembles a movie plot. Her path from swimming champion to key player in global sports decisions amazes many. What sets her apart? Why does her tale hold significance today?

To start, the 41-year-old is one of the foremost Olympians of her country, earning 7 out of the 8 Olympic medals that Zimbabwe has ever won. She didn’t just earn medals—she blew past what people thought possible. She grabbed seven medals, two of them gold, at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics when swim stars like Natalie Coughlin ruled the pool. She even beat a world record that had lasted since 1991. Even after her swimming career ended, she had more to offer.

Unlike many athletes who slip out of view after they retire, Coventry chose a different path. The Zimbabwean legend kept her love for the sport and the games alive by staying involved in the administration of the Olympics. She moved into a leadership role heading the IOC Athletes’ Commission to make sure athletes had a say in worldwide sports management. As a champion swimmer, she served her country by bringing in medals, and after her retirement following the Rio Olympics, she channeled the love for her country by entering politics. In 2018, she assumed charge of the country’s Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. Her excellence in every role she assumes speaks for the person she is.

Kirsty Coventry has already created history by securing her claim as the most decorated Olympian of her country. Will she be able to create history again by becoming the first woman to lead the IOC? What are your guesses? Let us know in the comments!