Coventry assumed office replacing outgoing president Thomas Bach of Germany who stepped down after serving for 12 years. Her appointment marks a new era--not just for the IOC but for African representation in international sports leadership. She was elected during the IOC's 144th Session held in Greece in March, emerging victorious from a competitive field of seven high-profile candidates.

The list included British athletics icon Sebastian Coe, Spain's Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, Japan's Morinari Watanabe, France's David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch of Great Britain and Prince Faisal bin Hussein of Jordan. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 200-meter backstroke (2004 and 2008), Coventry boasts an illustrious swimming career with seven Olympic medals to her name- two golds, three silvers, and a bronze alongside three world championship titles.

--ChannelAfrica--