PARIS, Jan 29, (V7N) — Former Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry has defended her bid to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) despite being part of the Zimbabwean government, which international observers described as elected in a process that was neither “free nor fair.”

The two-time Olympic gold medallist, who has a total of seven medals, has been Zimbabwe’s sports minister since 2019 and was reappointed in 2023 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

If successful in her bid, Coventry, 41, would become the first woman and first African to lead the IOC and also the youngest person to hold the prestigious position.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) criticized the 2023 Zimbabwean elections, saying they were not credible, which raises questions about Coventry’s role in the government.

However, she insists that being part of the system has allowed her to push for change from within.

"I have taken it upon myself to change a lot of policies within my country and how things are done," she said.

Coventry also defended the elections, arguing that they were Zimbabwe’s first in decades without violence, which she considers a step forward.

Coventry believes her election would be a monumental achievement for Africa, demonstrating the IOC’s commitment to being a truly global organization.

"For Africa, it would open up many opportunities for leadership roles," she said. "We're ready to lead, we’re capable, we have the support. Let’s go."

As a female candidate, Coventry sees her candidacy as an extension of the IOC’s gender equality efforts.

"Becoming the first woman president would be the best way to continue pushing gender equality into coaching, administration, and leadership in sports," she added.

Despite murmurs within the IOC about how ‘African’ she truly is due to her white heritage, Coventry brushed off the concerns.

"They haven’t spoken to me about it," she said, recalling a similar question she faced when she won Zimbabwe’s first Olympic medal in 24 years at the 2004 Games.

"For me, I just see myself as a Zimbabwean. I was born there, my mother was born there, my grandmother was born there."

She has embraced ‘Ubuntu’ as her campaign slogan, an African philosophy meaning "I am because we are."

Coventry’s ministerial role has given her a global platform, attending events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos and the United Nations General Assembly.

There, she was struck by the divisiveness in global politics and emphasized the IOC’s potential to serve as a unifying force.

"I think we have a really unique opportunity as the Olympic world to showcase how humanity can be and how we can respect each other's differences."

Coventry is one of seven candidates in the race to replace Thomas Bach as IOC president. While her athletic achievements, governance experience, and international exposure make her a strong contender, her political affiliations may pose challenges.

Her campaign will likely test the IOC’s commitment to diversity, neutrality, and political independence as the organization prepares for a new leadership era.

END/SD/RH/