World Skate would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry for being voted asthe next president of the International Olympic Committee.

Having met the decisive voting quorum of 49 votes in the first round at the 144th IOC Session held in Greece, President-elect Coventry will serve an 8-year term when the Presidency is handed over by President Thomas Bach on Olympic Day, 23rd June.

The 10th Presidency of the IOC will include the added significance of being held by both the first woman and first African in the role- as noted in her acceptance speech:

“This is an extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl I never thought I'd be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible Movement of ours.”

Adding his congratulations to those coming in since Thursday’s announcement, outgoing President Bach added:

"Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come."

We all look forward to working alongside the incoming President through LA28 and beyond!

Watch the full announcement from the IOC Session here.