Canadian Olympic Committee Congratulates Kirsty Coventry on Historic Election as IOC President

Friday, March 21, 2025

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has issued a statement congratulating Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic milestone in the history of the Olympic Movement. Coventry, who is the first woman and the first person from Africa to hold this prestigious position, was elected at the 144th IOC Session held in Greece on March 20, 2025.

A Historic Moment for the IOC and the Global Sports Community

In a statement released on the same day as the election, the COC expressed its excitement and pride in Coventry’s appointment, recognizing the significant implications for the future of global sport. “The Canadian Olympic Committee would like to congratulate Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee,” said the COC. “We are confident that President Coventry will uphold our shared Olympic values, working to keep athletes at the forefront of the Movement and advancing safe, clean, and inclusive sporting environments worldwide.”

Coventry, a celebrated Olympian and former swimming champion, has made history not only as the first woman to hold the top IOC position but also as the first African to lead the organization. Her election comes at a time when the Olympic Movement continues to grow in importance, with increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within international sport.

Gratitude for Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach

In the same statement, the Canadian Olympic Committee extended its gratitude to outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach for his leadership over the past decade. Bach’s tenure, which began in 2013, was marked by his efforts to promote the Olympic Movement globally, as well as his leadership during key events such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We also extend our gratitude to outgoing President Thomas Bach for his leadership and unwavering dedication to the power of sport over the course of his career,” the COC stated, acknowledging Bach’s pivotal role in guiding the IOC during challenging times.

A New Era for the Olympic Movement

The COC’s statement emphasized the vital role that sport plays in uniting communities across the world. It noted that Coventry’s election as IOC President comes at a crucial time when the world is increasingly relying on the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement to bring people together and promote peace and understanding.

“As sport has the power to unite, across communities and people all around the world, this election comes at a time when the world needs the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement more than ever,” the COC stated. “We look forward to this new era of international sport, beginning on the road to Milano Cortina 2026 and beyond.”

David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee, also expressed confidence in Coventry’s ability to lead the IOC into the future, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games in Milano Cortina in 2026 and other international sporting events.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

As Kirsty Coventry begins her leadership as the IOC President, the Canadian Olympic Committee looks forward to the positive changes she will bring to the global sporting community. Her appointment not only reflects the IOC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion but also signals a new era in which athletes’ voices, safety, and the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship will remain at the heart of the Movement. The COC is confident that under her leadership, the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement will continue to inspire the world and promote unity through sport.

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