Kirsty Coventry to launch 'Let's Talk to the IOC Presidential Candidates' series

Zimbabwe’s celebrated Olympian, Kirsty Coventry, is gearing up to make history on 24 February with the launch of a new Q&A series titled “Let’s Talk to the IOC Presidential Candidates.” This series offers an unprecedented platform for the candidates vying to succeed Thomas Bach as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to articulate their visions and strategies for the future of the Olympic Movement.

At 41, Coventry is not only the youngest among the seven candidates but also a trailblazer aiming to become the first female and first African IOC President. With a storied career that has seen her win seven Olympic medals—including two golds—Coventry brings a wealth of experience and passion for sports to this initiative.

Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry prepares to launch a new Q&A series with IOC presidential candidates.

Organized by AIPS and hosted by its President Gianni Merlo, the series is exclusively available to AIPS members and will feature simultaneous translations in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. The first installment of the series will feature Coventry as the inaugural guest, setting the tone for a series that promises to bridge the gap between candidates and sports journalists worldwide.

Coventry’s participation in this series reflects her commitment to “give back to the Movement that has given me so much and allowed me to be who I am today,” as she stated in her manifesto. Her current roles—serving on the IOC Executive Board and spearheading commissions for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics—underscore her deep connection with the Olympic family. In addition to her sporting accolades, Coventry has also served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Recreation since September 2018.

In her own words, Coventry emphasizes the importance of unity and collective strength:

“My mission to drive empowerment, strengthen engagement, and ensure we remain relevant is guided by the Ubuntu philosophy: ‘I am because we are.’”

This new series is not only a chance for Coventry to share her perspective but also an opportunity for future IOC leaders to present their ideas on maintaining and enhancing the Olympic legacy. As the presidential election draws closer on 20 March at the 144th IOC Session in Greece, this initiative is set to play a crucial role in shaping the conversation around the future of the Olympic Movement.