Coventry eyes IOC presidency with athlete-centric agenda

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Seven-time Olympic medalist Kirsty Coventry has made her closing appeal in the race for International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, pledging to prioritize athlete welfare, inclusivity, and enhancing the global appeal of the Games.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation is among seven candidates vying for the position to succeed Thomas Bach.

In a closed-door presentation at the Olympic House in Lausanne on Thursday, Coventry pledged to prioritize athlete welfare, global inclusivity, and youth engagement in the Olympic Movement.

“I am who I am because of sport,” Coventry told reporters after her presentation. “I want every young boy and girl, no matter where they come from, to have access to the life-changing opportunities sport can offer. That will only happen if we continue to champion integrity, fairness, and equality in everything we do.”

Coventry shared a personal connection to the Olympic dream, recounting how watching the 1992 Barcelona Games at nine years old inspired her journey. “I set myself a dream, and in Athens, I realized it. Winning my first gold medal gave Zimbabwe a moment of peace, showing me the power of sport to unite.”

Coventry emphasized adapting the Olympic Movement to today’s digital age, targeting younger audiences through streaming platforms and innovative tools. “Today’s nine-year-olds aren’t watching TV; they’re on phones,” she said. “We need to meet them there with apps that let them train anywhere in the world. Let’s embrace this and walk the road together.”

Coventry highlighted the need to bolster Africa’s role in the Olympic Movement. She said her candidacy offers a chance to showcase the continent’s readiness for global leadership.

In a separate interview with the AFP earlier, she acknowledged the challenges Zimbabwe has faced, including criticism of the 2023 elections. “Every country has its issues,” Coventry said, addressing concerns about her role in Zimbabwe’s government. “But the 2023 election was the first in decades without violence. That’s a step in the right direction.”

Coventry, though, told AFP that being part of the government has permitted her to reform from within. She said she would be at ease if she were elected and had to take a tough line with other governments and federations.

“I have learned so many things from stepping into this ministry role. I have taken it upon myself to change a lot of policies within my country and how things are done,” she said.

Coventry dismissed suggestions of discontent among IOC members questioning her identity as an African due to her being white. “They haven’t spoken to me about it,” she said.

Reflecting on a similar issue during her swimming career, Coventry recounted being asked in 2004, when Zimbabwe faced political turmoil, whether the country would celebrate a white Zimbabwean winning its first Olympic medal in 24 years.

“I was completely shocked because, for me, I just see myself as a Zimbabwean,” she told the AFP. “I was born there. My mother was born there. My grandmother was born there.”

As part of her IOC campaign, Coventry has embraced the African philosophy of Ubuntu, adopting the slogan: “I am because we are.”

“It is really the basis of my manifesto,” she said. “I want this to be collaborative.”

Turning back to Thursday’s press conference, Coventry, a mother of two including a six-month-old baby, dismissed the notion that her gender defines her candidacy. “I want to win this race based on merit, not because of my gender or where I come from,” she said. Reflecting on her experience balancing motherhood and a career, she said, “It takes a village to raise a child, and in Africa, we know that well. I’ve navigated being a mom, minister, and now a candidate. It can be done.”

She also spoke on the importance of safeguarding women athletes. “Female athletes deserve a level playing field and an environment where they feel safe. The IOC must ensure that, learn lessons along the way, and make stronger rules to protect them.”

Coventry’s bid comes as the IOC prepares for a leadership transition in March, with the election taking place in Athens. If successful, she would become the first African to lead the organization. “This is Africa’s time,” she said. “We’re ready to lead, and we’re capable of doing so.”