PYLOS: The stunning first-round election of Zimbabwe`s Kirsty Coventry as the next International Olympic Committee president made her the first female and first African to lead the IOC but more importantly ensured continuity once Thomas Bach departs in June.

Coventry, her country`s sports minister, was long seen as incumbent Bach`s preferred choice and her win on Thursday in the first round of voting against six other candidates willonly underline the organisation`s desire to continue along the German`s path. Bach has ruled the IOC for 12 years since 2013, growing its finances, while also overhauling the Games` structure to make them more attractive to potential future host cities.

Coventry, 41, has held various posts within the IOC since joining in 2013 as a member of the athletes` commission, and was a staunch supporter of Bach`s decision to stage the pandemic-hit Tokyo 2020 Games a year later.She has towed the company line and is not expected to rock the IOC boat, as opposed to some of her fellow presidential candidates who had more radical proposals, including staging Olympics on five continents among other ideas.

Those were seen with some trepidation by the outgoing IOC leadership.

So it came as no surprise when Bach said he was relieved following the eleetion result.

`I am very much relieved by theunity that the election result demonstrated,` he told a press conference on Friday. `This important pillar for the success of the Olympic movement has been strengthened. This is why you see me happy, relaxed and relieved.

Coventry`s long-standing ties with the US, dating back to her time as a competitive swimmer, will no doubt prove useful as the IOC prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Ties with the US government and President Donald Trump will be cru-cial ahead of the LA Games and on Thursday Coventry said she would seek a meeting with him to discuss the success of the LA Games.

Coventry is also expected to continue the IOC`s plans to expand commercial opportunities for sponsors at Olympics with the organisation`s finances in a robust state.

The IOC has secured $7.3 billion for 2025-28 and $6.2 billion for 20292032. More deals are expected for both four-year periods.-Reuters