| Event | Kirsty Coventry became the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 23rd June 2025, coinciding with the IOC's 131st anniversary. |
| Outgoing President | Thomas Bach completed his 12-year term (2013-2025) and now holds the honorary title of IOC President. |
| About Kirsty Coventry | - Zimbabwe's most successful Olympian with 7 Olympic medals (out of Zimbabwe's 8). |
| - Specialization: Backstroke and medley swimming. |
| - Olympic Medals: 2 golds (200m backstroke in 2004 and 2008), 4 silvers, and 1 bronze. |
| - World Titles: 3 long-course (2005, 2009) and 4 short-course (2008). |
| - Retirement: After Rio 2016 Olympics (5th appearance). |
| - Government Role: Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation (since September 2018). |
| - IOC Involvement: Elected to IOC in 2013 (Athletes' Commission) and re-elected as an individual member in 2021. |
| Role as IOC President | - Oversee Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and 2028 Summer Games host city selection. |
| - Potential bids from Qatar and Saudi Arabia under consideration. |
| - Conduct closed-door sessions with IOC members, including leaders and athletes. |
| - Emphasized role as a "guardian" of the Olympic platform. |
| About IOC | - Founded: 1894, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. |
| - Role: Decides rules, regulations, and host cities for the Olympic Games. |
| - Structure: Permanent organisation with self-elected members; members must speak French or English and reside in a country with a National Olympic Committee. |
| - Mission: Ensure regular Olympic Games, promote Olympism (blending sport, culture, education, and international cooperation), and build a peaceful world through sports. |
| - Constituents: IOC, International Sports Federations (IFs), and National Olympic Committees (NOCs). |
