A woman is in charge

• Kirsty Coventry, the first African and first woman to head the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has taken charge of the IOC.

• Despite being the youngest president since Pierre de Coubertin, she is seen as a more consensual and humane figure.

• Her experiences, as a white woman athlete in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe and a Minister in Emmerson Mnangagwa’s cabinet, suggest she will be more consensual and humane.

• She will likely make decisions on complex issues such as protecting female athletes, transgenders in women’s sports, doping, the Olympic movement, attracting new sponsors, and maintaining a balance between traditional competitive sports and experimenting to attract new audiences.

• Off the field, Coventry will face significant decisions, including the possible return of Russia to the Olympic fold, dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump, and managing political uncertainties and global conflicts.

• The Russia-Ukraine war and growing hostilities in West Asia could impact the 2036 Olympics hosting rights.

• IOC member Nita Ambani was among the closest allies of Coventry during and after the ceremony.