Online Reporter
KIRSTY Coventry, Africa’s most decorated Olympian and the first candidate from the continent to run for IOC President, has welcomed South Africa’s expression of interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
“I’m excited that South Africa has said they’re interested in hosting the Olympic Games. I look forward to seeing those conversations develop,” Coventry said ahead of the IOC presidential election, set to take place from March 18-20.
She highlighted South Africa’s strong track record in hosting major sporting events.
“South Africa has done a great job hosting numerous sporting events over the years. I’m also very proud that Zimbabwe will be co-hosting the men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027 with South Africa and Namibia.”
She, also expressed enthusiasm about the growing global interest in hosting the Olympics.
“It’s exciting to see countries like Egypt, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and others expressing interest in hosting the Games. This shows the continued power of the Olympic Movement to inspire and unite nations through sport,” Coventry said.
However, she was clear that her leadership would remain neutral in any Olympic bidding process.
“If elected President (of the IOC), my role would be to facilitate an open and fair process,” she added.
Beyond the Games, Coventry is committed to ensuring sport reaches all athletes, regardless of race, gender, or financial situation, and will work closely with International Federations and National Olympic Committees to expand access to resources and opportunities for athletes worldwide.
A seven-time Olympic medallist and a key figure in sports governance, Coventry is among the frontrunners to succeed Thomas Bach as IOC President. If elected, she would become both the first African and first female to hold the position.
Meanwhile, Coventry believes the Olympic Games should be adaptable to different climates and seasons, ensuring that any nation, regardless of its geographical location, has a fair opportunity to host.
“To fully embrace new regions, we need to be open to adjusting the timing of the Games,” she said.
“Why not start that conversation now? By being proactive, we can explore how shifting the schedule could allow more countries to host at a time of year that works for their climate. I don’t see that being a problem.”
Coventry has also made it clear that expanding the reach of the Olympics is a key part of her vision.
She is committed to ensuring that future host selections are fair, transparent, and truly global.
“It’s crucial that we demonstrate we are a truly worldwide organisation.
“Every country that wants to host the Games should have a clear and fair path to do so.”
Coventry, also praised Morocco’s growing role in global sport.
“I think it’s super exciting that Morocco is hosting AFCON this year and then the World Cup in a few years. It’s showing more interest from Africa in hosting major events. They’ve very successfully hosted the All-Africa Games, so they have what it takes.”
She attended the 2019 African Games in Morocco, spoke about the country’s passion for sport.
“You just have a sense of pride. And I would love to see all that culture and energy being shared with the rest of the world.
“The power of sport goes beyond competition: it unites people, inspires generations, and transforms lives.
“As IOC President, I will protect and strengthen this legacy while ensuring we remain innovative, inclusive, and athlete-centred.”
A seven-time Olympic medallist, Coventry has played a key role in shaping the future of the Games through her leadership in the IOC and is ready to lead the next chapter of the organisation.
A trailblazer for African sport, Coventry has been part of the Olympic Movement since her debut at the Sydney Games in 2000.
Over the next four editions, she won seven medals, including two golds at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, solidifying her status as Zimbabwe’s “Golden Girl.”
Meanwhile incumbent IOC president Bach will officially step down as a member of the organisation following the transfer of leadership to his successor in June, the global body, formally announced on Wednesday.
It already was a well-known fact that Bach, who won Olympic gold in fencing in 1976, will conclude his 12-year tenure as chief of the IOC this year.
The transition will take place on June 23, after the election of a new president on March 20 in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Bach became the ninth president after being elected on September 10 2013 and secured a second four-year term on March 10 2021.
“The IOC Executive Board today agreed to accept the resignation of IOC President Thomas Bach as an IOC Member, effective after 23 June 2025,” the IOC said.
The 71-year-old had the option to remain an IOC member until the age of 80, having first joined in 1991, but chose not to, making it public this past Summer during the Paris 2024 Games.
Seven candidates are in contention to replace him in the upcoming vote at the IOC session.
Among those vying for the prestigious position are: World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.
Also running is Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch, son of the former IOC president.
The list of contenders further includes International Cycling Union (UCI) president David Lappartient, Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, International Gymnastics Federation leader Morinari Watanabe, and Johan Eliasch, a multimillionaire and head of the International Ski Federation. – Agencies/Sports Reporter
