Ancient Olympia & Costa Navarino, Greece – March 2025 – HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, an IOC Member, participated in the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, joining global sporting leaders for a series of historic events in Ancient Olympia and Costa Navarino.

The Session opened at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, with a ceremony at the International Olympic Academy (IOA), attended by Greek President Constantine Tassoulas and outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach.

The proceedings then moved to Costa Navarino, where HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck joined fellow IOC voting members to elect the next IOC President. In a historic decision, Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected as the 10th IOC President, winning with 51% of the votes. She made history as both the first female and first African leader of the organization.

Kirsty Coventry is an accomplished former swimmer and one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated athletes. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and a seven-time Olympic medalist, having represented Zimbabwe at five Olympic Games. Coventry has also set numerous world records and is recognized as one of the greatest female swimmers in history. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has had a significant impact on sports administration, serving as the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Recreation in Zimbabwe. Throughout her career, Coventry has been a strong advocate for gender equality in sports and has played a vital role in promoting the development of swimming in Africa.

Coventry secured victory in the first round of voting against a strong field of contenders, including:

• HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein (Jordan)
• David Lappartient (France)
• Johan Eliasch (Great Britain)
• Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain)
• Lord Sebastian Coe (Great Britain)
• Morinari Watanabe (Japan)

In her acceptance speech, Coventry emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating:

“Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model. Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest.”

Outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach congratulated Coventry, expressing confidence in her leadership and dedication to Olympic values. Coventry will officially assume office on June 23, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach after his 12-year tenure.

HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Olympic Movement, championing sustainability, youth empowerment, and the transformative power of sport.