No Bach Backing, But Big Plans for Sponsors, Tech, and Athletes

No Bach Backing, But Big Plans

Kirsty Coventry, the two-time Olympic champion and Zimbabwe's sports minister, is one of seven candidates vying for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite a long-standing positive relationship with outgoing president Thomas Bach, Coventry clarified that he is not actively campaigning for her.

Coventry, the only woman and African candidate in the race, outlined her priorities if elected. These include engaging with sponsors to strengthen their involvement in the Games, embracing new technologies to expand the Olympics' reach, and finding alternative ways to support athletes beyond prize money.

Coventry acknowledged the IOC's recent loss of three top sponsors and emphasized the need to re-evaluate and engage with them. She also expressed her opposition to prize money for Olympic champions, suggesting alternative methods of supporting athletes.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Coventry expressed confidence in President Trump's commitment to ensuring the Games' success. She believes he will work collaboratively with the IOC to make the event a resounding triumph.

With the IOC election set for March 20th in Greece, Coventry's campaign focuses on innovation, athlete support, and financial stability. Whether she emerges victorious remains to be seen, but her vision for the future of the Olympics is clear.