Kirsty Coventry became president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the most powerful person in sport, on Monday at a delivery ceremony with his predecessor Thomas Bach.
The Zimbabwe is the first woman and African to direct the body, and the 41 years, the youngest from Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who is attributed to the foundation of the modern Olympic Games.
Coventry accepted the Olympic Bach key, which I like, is an Olympic champion, winning a gold team in 1976 and winning two swimming gold in 2004 and 2008.
When giving up after a turbulent 12 -year mandate, Bach expressed his confidence that the Olympic movement was “in the best hands” and Coventry would bring “conviction, integrity and a dynamic perspective” to paper.
Coventry, who swept a overwhelming first -round victory in the elections in Greece in March, leans strongly in his family.
In addition to her parents, who were present at the ceremony in Lausana, there is her husband Tyrone Seward, who was indeed her campaign manager, and two daughters, she, six years old, whom Bach addresses as “princess”, and Lily, only seven months old.
“She saw this spider network in the garden and pointed out how it is done, and how strong and resistant it is for bad weather and small creatures,” Coventry said.
“But if you break a little, it weakens. That spider network is our movement, it is complex, beautiful and strong, but it only works if we remain together and united.”
Coventry said he could not believe how his life had evolved since he dream for the first time with the Olympic glory in 1992.
“How lucky we are creating a platform for generations to achieve their dreams,” he told an audience full in a marquee in the House Olympic garden, which included members of the IOC, including those who defeated and dignitaries.
“It is surprising and incredible, in fact, I cannot believe that in my dream in 1992 to go to the Olympic Games and win a medal, I would be here with you to make dreams for more young children around the world.”
Coventry, who served in the Zimbabwe Government as Minister of Sports and Arts from 2019 until this year, said that the Olympic movement was much more than a “multi -sports event platform.”
“We (members of the IOC) are guardians of this movement, which is also about inspiring and changing lives and bringing hope,” he said.
“These things should not be taken lightly, and I will work with each and every one of you to continue changing lives and be a lighthouse of hope in a divided world.
“I feel really honored to walk this trip with you.”
Bach, who during his term had to deal with the Russian doping and his invasions of Crimea and Ukraine, as well as the Covid pandemic, said he was standing full of “gratitude, joy and trust” in his successor.
“With his choice, he sends a powerful message that the IOC continues to evolve,” said the 71 -year -old German, who was appointed honorary president of a lifetime in Greece in March.
“She has her first and African woman to occupy this position, and the youngest president from Pierre de Coubertin. She represents the truly global and youthful spirit of our community.”
Bach, who drowned the tears in a moment during his farewell speech, was praised to the beams by Coventry, who was widely seen as his favorite candidate of the seven competing for his post.
After a warm hug, he attributed him to teach him to “listen to people and respect them,” and praised him for leading the movement with “pure passion and purpose.”
“You have kept us united in the most turbulent moments.
“You left us with many legacies and hope, thanks from the bottom of my heart for guiding us with passion and never hesitating of our values.”
