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Kirsty Coventry: Becoming president of the IOC

Kirsty Coventry: Becoming president of the IOC

How Kirsty Coventry made history as the first African and first woman president of the IOC

The Documentary Podcast · BBC World Service

February 13, 202618m 59s

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Show Notes

With the 2026 Winter Olympics well under way in Italy, we look to the most powerful woman in sport - the International Olympics Committee president, Kirsty Coventry. The most decorated African Olympian of all time, the 42-year-old mother-of-two made history as both the first African and the first woman to hold the title when she was elected last year. With seven Olympic medals and several World Records under her belt, she decided to take on a role at the International Olympic Committee, quickly climbing the ranks. Mark Coles examines how she got here.