A New Chapter for the Olympics Under First Female President

Kirsty Coventry, a Zimbabwean swimmer and seven-time Olympic medalist, assumed the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on International Olympic Day. She took over from Thomas Bach in a handover ceremony held in Lausanne, Switzerland. Coventry's term officially began on Tuesday, marking her as the first woman to lead the Olympic movement.

During the ceremony, Bach presented Coventry 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 movement over the next eight years.

Coventry's first term will see Italy's Milan-Cortina hosting the 2026 Winter Games, followed by the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, USA. She has scheduled a two-day workshop with the IOC Executive Board this week to gather feedback on key issues, with the theme of "Pause and Reflect" aimed at shaping a new roadmap for the Olympic Movement.

Bach, stepping down after 12 years, expressed confidence in Coventry's leadership, highlighting her "conviction, integrity and a 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 the importance of unity and collaboration. She stressed the need to strengthen and unite the movement to inspire future generations and make dreams come true.

A Beijing-based sports commentator believes Coventry is likely to strengthen ties with China, given its significant role in the Olympics. Another sports columnist noted that a key challenge for Coventry will be navigating the relationship with the US government during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, particularly in maintaining the IOC's neutrality and independence.

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