IOC President Kirsty Coventry congratulates WBSC Congress for "embracing change"

"The WBSC's strong standing today reflects the important work of all of you, including President [Riccardo] Fraccari and his team," said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry as she addressed the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Congress in a video message on Saturday. "By empowering athletes, strengthening governance, and innovating with new formats like Baseball5, you are embracing change, growing your sport, and spreading the values of the Olympic movement.

"At the start of my presidency, one of my top priorities is to listen, to hear what's on your minds and how together we can make the Olympic community stronger. This is why I am excited to follow the discussions at your Congress," Coventry said. "Baseball and softball are back on the Olympic programme for LA 2028, returning to their American birthplace and building on a proud Olympic history. With baseball at Dodger Stadium in LA and softball at OKC Softball Park in Oklahoma City, you'll be showcasing your sports at iconic venues, the perfect stage for your athletes to shine."

Addressing President Fraccari, a member of the IOC Esports Commission, she added: "Your Federation is helping bring baseball and softball to new audiences and generations, a great example of how the Olympic Movement can innovate and evolve."

President Coventry concluded: "I wish you a very successful Congress as you set the course for the future with the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games LA 2028 on the horizon. I look forward to learning from your discussion so that together we can shape the future of our Olympic Movement."

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1983, President Coventry was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 2012, and has served as an IOC Member since 2013. In 2023, she was elected a member of the IOC Executive Board. She was elected as the IOC President on 20 March 2025, at the 144th IOC Session in Greece, becoming both the first woman and first African to hold the position.

A former Olympic swimmer and world record holder (200-metre backstroke and 400-metre individual medley), she is the most decorated African Olympian. President Coventry participated in five Olympic Games and won gold in the 200-metre backstroke at Athens 2004.

She retired from elite swimming after the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and served in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe from September 2018 to March 2025, first as Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation until September 2023, and then as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.