In a turn of events that marks a significant turning point for the Olympic movement, Kirsty Coventry has recently been elected president of the Olympic International Committee (CIO). This choice, both historical and symbolic, makes her the first woman and the first African to direct this venerable institution. During his first interview, broadcast on China Global Television Network (CGTN) since the picturesque framework of Costa Navarino in Greece, Coventry underlined the notable advances in terms of equality and diversity within the sports movement, while projecting a daring vision for the future.
The last twelve years have seen impressive progress in the encouragement of inclusiveness at the Olympic level. Coventry spoke of a momentum that should not be lost, insisting on the need to transfer these principles to all sports federations and national committees. What she rightly calls a dynamic “movement” is necessary, in particular in a context where the global socio-economic issues evolve quickly. At this stage of her mandate, she could be inspired by strategies applied in other sectors, such as that of digital creativity.
Indeed, the field of digital leisure and online content platforms has been able to show remarkable adaptability in the face of contemporary challenges. These industries have been able to diversify, mobilize various communities and create inclusive environments on technological bases. By comparison, the IOC could learn from the way to strengthen its commitment to real diversity. What strategies have worked in these fields and could be transferred to the world of sport, often perceived as traditional and static?
In addition, Coventry’s call for the formation of a task force dedicated to the protection of athletes during periods of conflict is just as relevant. The precariousness of the current geo-political context requires increased awareness of the dangers encountered by athletes, especially in Africa. The latest reports from the World Health and United Nations reports point to worsening humanitarian crises on the continent, which only adds to the urgency of the actions to be carried out. A proactive approach, supported by tangible data on the involvement of athletes in wartime, could strengthen the policies established for their protection.
Like Coventry, other leaders in world sport have been able to take innovative initiatives in the face of similar issues. Let us take the example of the NBA, which has a wind on the dizzying dance of political and social issues through open dialogues with its players. For Coventry to succeed, it would be wise to encourage intercontinental partnerships that will allow to share best practices.
Statistically speaking, it is relevant to emphasize that the representation of women in sports leadership stations is still very low. In 2022, a study carried out by the Center for Sport and Gender Equality revealed that only 10 % of management positions in international sports federations were occupied by women. Coventry’s election may well mark the start of a new era by inspiring other women to enter the arena.
On another level, the question of inclusiveness does not only concern the gender, but also the access of people with disabilities. In 2021, a global study showed that less than 1 % of paralympic athletes had access to long -term funding. Expanding the field of beliefs around foreign inclusiveness could increase the impact of the Olympic movement as a whole.
The vision of a CIO under the direction of Coventry, turned towards the future, could thus result in policies combining innovation and tradition, a cohese between different levels of sporting governance, and increased attention paid to social crises affecting athletes, especially in developing countries.
Kirsty Coventry has at his disposal a unique opportunity to anchor the values of equality, diversity and democracy within the IOC. Its ability to act and bring together different actors in the sports movement will be decisive to establish a real heritage in terms of inclusiveness. The future of global sport will greatly depend on the way in which it will be able to combine innovative ideas and traditions well anchored to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. It is there, beyond the simple project, that the real measure of its success is found.