May Zhao in Conversation with Kirsty Coventry: 9 to 1 or 10 to 0?

Athens—the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Now, 41-year-old Kirsty Coventry stands at the center of the stage in the election for the next President of the International Olympic Committee. Will she become the first female IOC President in its 130-year history? Will the leadership ratio in Olympic history remain 10 to 0, or will it shift to 9 to 1?

Cradling her four-month-old daughter, Coventry travels across five countries in her campaign, responding through her actions to those who doubt: “We can be mothers, wives, and leaders—all at once.”

Coventry is not a continuer of the old; she is a creator of the new. She pledges to “break boundaries and make bold decisions.” She draws on the African philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” This is her vision—her answer to the Olympic Movement.

Today’s world is marked by uncertainty and turmoil, with the flames of war flaring in many regions. Yet sports competitions—often called warfare in times of peace—carry the message of unity and hope. On this challenging path, no matter how the winds shift, humanity will ultimately return to peace. And in its truest sense, it is always about peace.

As a woman, my inner voice stirs me to stand beside Coventry, even if her chances of victory appear slim. Achieving a breakthrough from zero is difficult. But as a journalist, I must remain neutral and objective.

When I connected with both Kirsty Coventry and Johan Eliasch, I was also covering the United Nations Biodiversity Conference. My questions focused on the protection of nature and sustainable development. Their answers, in turn, allowed me to deliver a satisfying report to the UN conference.

May Zhao:

If you are elected IOC President, how will future Olympic Games better promote sustainable development and biodiversity protection?

Kirsty Coventry:

Sustainability isn’t just about venue construction—it’s about the very future of the Olympic Games. Climate change has already impacted the conditions for competition, particularly in the Winter Games. We must make bold and difficult decisions to ensure athletes can compete in safe and fair environments.

But sustainability goes beyond external aspects like events and venue operations. I believe it must be embedded in the daily operations of the Olympic Movement. Whether it’s within the IOC’s internal management, or in the decision-making of National Olympic Committees and International Federations, we must base our actions on principles of environmental protection, efficiency, and responsibility.

As a woman, a mother, and an athlete, I am deeply focused on the future. What we are safeguarding is not just a single event, but hope for the next generation. The Olympic Movement must become a leader in global sustainable development, proving our commitment through tangible actions.

I had planned to ask one more question:

“As a former Olympic champion, national sports minister, and IOC member, and now a candidate for the highest leadership role in sports, are you concerned about being seen as a symbolic candidate? How will you prove that you are not just a female representative, but the best choice for the job?”

Unfortunately, time ran out. That answer can only come through her actions.

Additional Key Points from the Interview:

1.Transgender Athletes: Participation should be based on scientific evidence. The IOC should establish a unified framework to ensure a balance between fairness and inclusion in women’s events.

2.Against Olympic Prize Money: Focus should be on enhanced athlete preparation and post-retirement support. The Olympic Solidarity Fund should prioritize athletes from developing countries.

3.Neutral Athletes from Conflict Zones: Participation can be allowed under neutral status, provided fairness and security are ensured. The Paris model could be expanded.

4.Russian Athletes: Only individual neutral participation is permitted, excluding team events. Policies should be flexible and responsive to the context of ongoing conflicts.

5.Zero Tolerance for Doping: All stakeholders should share accountability and be subject to the same sanctions. Ensure WADA and testing agencies’ independence to maintain credibility.

6.Anti-Corruption and Match-Fixing: Legal frameworks must take precedence. The IOC should assist nations in improving oversight and work with INTERPOL to strengthen law enforcement.

7.Strengthen Media Oversight and Transparency: Provide equitable access to journalists from all regions and promote diverse communication channels.

8.Protect the Rights of Afghan Female Athletes: Promote gender equality in sports like cricket and hold relevant organizations accountable for fulfilling their obligations.

9.Olympics Must Lead in Sustainability: Tackle climate challenges, advance green governance, and implement significant reforms, particularly for the Winter Games.

10.Africa’s Olympic Potential: The IOC should foster regional cooperation and infrastructure development, using events like the African Games to cultivate hosting capabilities.