Coventry was elected the first female president of the IOC in its 100-year history, and the issue of the United States and Russia will become a challenge for the office

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) celebrates a historic moment when former Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry was elected the new IOC president in Friday's election, becoming the first female president in the organization's 124-year history and the first leader of African descent.

Coventry, a 41-year-old former Zimbabwean swimmer, was elected the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Friday's election

According to comprehensive foreign media reports, Coventry won the first round of voting with an overwhelming margin of 49 votes, just reaching the required majority threshold, defeating six competitors, including Samaranch, chairman of the IOC Beijing Winter Olympics Coordination Committee. Samaranch came in second with 28 votes. The election was seen as the most open and uncertain presidential election in decades, but the result was unexpectedly decided in the first round of voting.

As a two-time Olympic gold medallist in swimming (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008), Coventry will become the youngest president in the history of the IOC. She has been a member of the IOC since 2013 and is currently Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport.

Outgoing President Thomas Bach congratulated Coventry after the election results were announced. Bach has been seen as a supporter of Coventry, although he did not comment on the results, saying only that "the results should be respected." The General Assembly has awarded Bach the title of "Honorary Life President" in recognition of his contributions during his tenure.

After her defeat, Samaranch said: "Her start to the presidency with such a number of votes is an optimistic signal for all, and I will give her my full support." World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who was not elected, welcomed "an athlete who can lead the IOC."

After the victory, Coventry pledged to "make all members proud" and was moved to mention Anita DeFrantz, the only female presidential candidate in 2001, who voted in person, despite her health, which Coventry called a role model for herself.

Over the next eight years of its term, Coventry will face a series of challenges, including navigating the development of the Olympic Movement in the international political environment, negotiating with US President Donald Trump on preparations for Los Angeles 2028, deciding on the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes, developing uniform rules for transgender athletes, choosing the host city for the 2036 Games, and adjusting the Olympic schedule in the face of climate change.