Italian ministers and sports
officials expressed satisfaction on Thursday after Kirsty
Coventry was elected the first woman president of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The 41-year-old twice Olympic swimming champion and Zimbabwean
minister for sport replaces Thomas Bach at the head of
international sport.
"The election of Kirsty Coventry as IOC President is a step of
great value and importance for the future of sport and its
positive influence on society, confirming the evolution of the
Olympic movement to make its universality, its social and
educational role and sports diplomacy increasingly more
effective," said Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi.
"I am certain that her great, qualified experience as an athlete
and manager will allow us to give a new face to the IOC and its
strategies, considering the many challenges of this complex
time, making the most of what was achieved by her predecessor,
Thomas Bach, to whom we extend sincere and heartfelt thanks for
what he has done for the benefit of the international sports
community and for the support given during the years of the
government headed by Giorgia Meloni, including in the
organization of Milano-Cortina 2026 and in the assignment of the
2028 Winter Youth Olympics to Italy".
Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President congratulated
Coventry too.
"The IOC members have elected Kirsty Coventry: she is the new
president of the International Olympic Committee," Malagò said
via X.
"Woman, African, Olympian. Proud of this historic decision".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
