IWF congratulates new IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry
Following the announcement of the election of Mrs Kirsty Coventry at the IOC Session in Olympia (GRE), the IWF sent today a congratulatory letter to the new President-elect. Signed by the IWF President Mohammed Jalood (also present in Greece) and by the IWF General Secretary Antonio Urso, the message highlights the importance and symbolism of this success.
“This achievement assumes a special importance, as for the first time in its history, the IOC will be led by a woman, and simultaneously, by a president coming from the African continent. This is an outstanding milestone and a further proof that the principles defended within the Olympic Movement are also put in place for the election of its most prestigious representative,” the letter said.
IOC President-elect Mrs Kirsty Coventry and IWF President Mr Mohammed Jalood at the IOC Session in Olympia
“Your extraordinary career as a swimmer and your engagement within the IOC in recent years are a testimony of your passion and commitment for Sport. Your footprint at the IOC presidency will certainly emphasise this determination,” also wrote Mr Jalood and Mr Urso.
Coventry, representing Zimbabwe during her competitive career, has been a remarkable swimmer, winning seven Olympic medals (including two gold) and being on the podium on 13 occasions at World Championships. Aged 41, she is presently Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in her country and will take the office as IOC President on June 24, 2025.
“We are thrilled to working closely with you and the IOC to strengthen weightlifting’s standing in the Olympic Movement and ensure that, as one of the founding Olympic sports, it continues to make a valuable contribution to engaging people around the world in the Olympic values”, we can also read in the IWF letter.
“After the enormous success of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, both for the entirety of the Olympic Movement and for the Weightlifting family, we are actively preparing the 2028 edition in Los Angeles. Under your guidance, we are sure that the IWF will continue providing a great contribution to the Olympic programme,” concluded the IWF message.
IWF Communications