Coventry Takes Helm of IOC, Vows to Expand Olympic Reach

On International Olympic Day, Kirsty Coventry, the new International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, committed to expanding the reach and influence of the Olympic Games. The Zimbabwean Olympic swimming champion assumed the presidency from Thomas Bach in a ceremony held in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Coventry's official eight-year term began on Tuesday. During the handover, Bach, who had led the IOC for 12 years, presented her with the golden key to the Olympic House. Coventry expressed her honor and anticipation for the journey ahead, emphasizing her confidence in the team supporting her and the Olympic movement.

At 41 years old, Coventry is the first woman and the first African to lead the Olympic governing body. During her tenure, the 2026 Winter Games will be held in Milan-Cortina, Italy, and the 2028 Summer Olympics will be hosted in Los Angeles, USA. This week, Coventry has organized a two-day workshop with the IOC Executive Board to gather feedback from members on key issues.

The IOC announced that the workshop, themed "Pause and Reflect," aims to help shape a new roadmap for the Olympic Movement. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist, won gold in the women's 200-meter backstroke at the 2004 Athens Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Bach, stepping down after 12 years, expressed his confidence in the Olympic movement's future under Coventry's leadership, highlighting her conviction, integrity, and dynamic perspective. He noted that her election sends a powerful message of the IOC's continued evolution.

Coventry, who previously served as Zimbabwe's sports and arts minister, likened the Olympic Movement to a spider's web, emphasizing its complexity, strength, and resilience. She stressed the importance of unity and collaboration to inspire future generations, change lives, and make dreams a reality.

A Beijing-based sports commentator, Zhang Bin, suggested that Coventry is likely to strengthen ties between the IOC and China, given China's significant role in the Olympics, both in terms of athletic achievements and hosting the Games. He also noted the presence of Chinese sports figures in the IOC and international sports federations.

Another Beijing-based sports columnist, Zhou Jie, highlighted the challenge Coventry faces in navigating relations with the US government during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He pointed out the potential for the US government to exert influence and the need for the IOC to maintain its neutrality and independence.

In celebration of International Olympic Day, various activities were held across China to promote sports participation. Events included a 4.5-kilometer race in Beijing, featuring prominent athletes, and other activities such as hiking, cycling, and football games in other cities. The Chinese Olympic Committee also launched an online campaign to encourage public participation in sports.