Olympic swimming legend Kirsty Coventry has officially been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a significant milestone as the first woman to take on this role.
Coventry’s election comes with immediate pressure to follow through on her pre-election pledge to safeguard women’s sports, particularly following the controversy over gender issues in Olympic boxing.
Immediate Pressure to Protect Women’s Sports
Coventry, a double Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, secured a landslide victory in the election held on Thursday in Greece, winning 49 of the 97 votes cast.
She triumphed over rivals, including Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch, who secured 28 votes.
As the newly elected president, Coventry now faces calls to protect the women’s category, an issue that gained widespread attention during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The controversy surrounding the gender issue in boxing, particularly the disqualification of female athletes Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, continues to stir debate.
The two were disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championship after allegedly failing a gender test.
Despite both athletes insisting they were born female and had never identified otherwise, the incident raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of women’s sport.
These events have only intensified calls for Coventry to follow through on her promise to protect the female category.
Sharron Davies Urges Coventry to Take Action
Sharron Davies, a fellow swimmer and Olympic silver medallist, has publicly urged Coventry to prioritize the protection of women’s sports in her new role.
Davies expressed disappointment over the election results, stating on social media that the IOC is not ready for transparency or change.
She emphasized that Coventry’s role is critical in addressing issues related to female athletes, particularly following the controversy during Paris 2024.
“I hope Kirsty will do as she said before the election and protect women’s sport,” Davies wrote.
“We don’t want a repeat of the Paris disaster where male athletes were allowed to compete in women’s events. It was pure negligence.”
Coventry’s Commitment to Protecting Female Athletes
Prior to her election, Coventry had made her commitment to protecting women’s sports clear.
She stated that prioritizing the protection of the female category would be one of her top objectives.
“Protecting female athletes and ensuring their sports are safeguarded is paramount,” she said earlier this year.
She further explained that the growing body of scientific research underscores the need for such protection, especially regarding transgender women in the female category.
However, Coventry was part of the executive board for the Paris Olympics, where the controversy over gender testing in boxing unfolded.
In response to questions about the issue, she acknowledged that lessons needed to be learned but emphasized the importance of protecting athletes’ rights.
Coventry Responds to Pressure After Election Win
Following her victory, Coventry reiterated her commitment to defending the female category.
She expressed her intention to collaborate with international federations and ensure that the IOC takes a more active role in the ongoing discussions surrounding gender in sports.
“My stance is clear: we will protect the female category and female athletes,” she stated.
Coventry’s election victory is seen as a significant moment for the IOC, but her leadership will be closely scrutinized as she takes on the responsibility of addressing the ongoing challenges and controversies in women’s sports.
The Path Ahead for Coventry and IOC
Coventry’s election to the top IOC role has raised concerns among those who hoped for a reformer to take charge of the organization.
Her victory, widely supported by outgoing president Thomas Bach, comes after significant lobbying efforts by Bach himself, which led to disappointment among those who had hoped for greater change.
Coventry campaigned on a platform of “zero tolerance for corruption and unethical behavior,” but her win may signal continuity rather than the bold reforms some had hoped for.
As the new president, Coventry will take office on June 23, stepping into a role with significant challenges and expectations, especially regarding the future of women’s sports on the global stage.