White smoke in Costa Navarino! Kirsty Coventry elected IOC President Thursday, shortly before 16:30 p.m., during the 144th session. The former swimmer, a seven-time Olympic medalist under the flag of Zimbabwe, was acclaimed since she obtained the majority of votes in the first round, while the presence of seven candidates suggested that the election could last. She will begin her term on June 24 succeeding Thomas Bach. She will then become the first woman to lead the organization. Her election is also a first for the African continent, who had never been represented at the head of the Olympic movement. She received a long round of applause when the result was announced. She then addressed a few words, expressing her " pride " facing this "great honor". “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now we have work to do together”, she said. I really want to thank the candidates. This race has been incredible, and it has made us better, it has strengthened our movement."
