Coventry elected as IOC's first female president

Zimbabwe's sports minister Kirsty Coventry has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee.

The 41-year-old former swimmer, who won two Olympic gold medals, replaces German Thomas Bach - who had held the role since 2013 - and becomes the first woman, the first African and the youngest person to hold the role.

World Athletics boss Lord Coe was favourite to win Thursday's election in Greece, but Coventry secured an absolute majority in the first round of voting.

Coventry, who already sits on the IOC executive board, is the 10th person to hold the highest office in sport and be in post for at least the next eight years.

Coventry has won seven of Zimbabwe's eight Olympic medals - including gold in the 200m backstroke at both the 2004 and 2008 Games.

"The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamed of this moment," said Coventry, who beat six male rivals to win the vote.

"I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC president, and also the first from Africa.

"I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model."