- Title: PROFILE: Kirsty Coventry aiming to break new ground if she wins IOC election
- Date: 13th March 2025
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) ZIMBABWE'S SPORTS MINISTER KIRSTY COVENTRY, SAYING: "I have known President (Thomas) Bach since I came in to the IOC, and I think being a fellow athlete, we share a lot of commonalities, right? A lot of common ideas and philosophies, but in this race, he's the president, he doesn't have a vote, or he has a vote, but he chooses not to vote, and I do ve
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- Keywords: IOC IOC Presidential candidates Kirsty Coventry
- Location: VARIOUS
- City: VARIOUS
- Country: Switzerland
- Topics: Europe,Olympics,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA007875804022025RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Former Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry is aiming to become the first African and first woman to become IOC President at next Thursday's election.
The 41-year-old Zimbabwean has been an IOC member since 2013 and was chairperson of the Athlete Commission between 2018 and 2021.
In 2023 she was re-appointed as Zimbabwe's Minister for Sports, Art and Recreation, and she won seven Olympic swimming medals from five Olympics, including gold in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 games in Athens.
Key points from her manifesto include:
* My mission to drive empowerment, strengthen engagement, and ensure we remain relevant, is guided by the Ubuntu philosophy: "I am because we are." This principle highlights the combined strength of the Olympic community and our responsibility to uplift one another.
* Harnessing the power of sport. Recognising that athletes are more than competitors, we must continue to prioritise their mental health, physical recovery, and amplify their holistic well-being throughout their athletic careers beyond
* Harness the expertise of our International Federations to enhance the impact of every event.
* The Olympic Games must lead by example in environmental responsibility, championing sustainable practices in infrastructure, logistics, and operations
* Zero tolerance for corruption, doping and unethical behaviour. I believe our Olympic Movement has a pivotal role to play in today's world, a world increasingly divided. We have the opportunity to demonstrate the true power of sport: the resilience to rise after failure, the strength to never give up, and the importance of understanding and respect.
(Production: Bhagya Ayyavoo, Iain Axon) - Copyright Holder: POOL (CAN SELL)
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- Usage Terms/Restrictions: Olympic restriction: Clip cannot be re-published without additional clearances from the IOC.