Kirsty Coventry
Former Olympic swimmer and Zimbabwean politician who became the first woman and first African president of the International Olympic Committee, and the most decorated African Olympian with seven Olympic medals.
Best podcasts with Kirsty Coventry
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Feb 13, 2026 • 19min
Kirsty Coventry: Becoming president of the IOC
Kirsty Coventry, former Olympic champion and Zimbabwean politician who became the first woman and first African to lead the IOC. She discusses her rise from teenage swimming prodigy to record-breaking Olympian. The conversation covers her political career, leadership style, auditing the IOC, and prioritising athletes amid climate, cost and geopolitical challenges.
