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.

Outgoing president Thomas Bach hailed the election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female and first African to lead the International Olympic Committee as the 144th IOC Session in Pylos, Greece, came to a close on Friday.

Zimbabwe's sports minister Kirsty Coventry is elected as the new IOC president, becoming the first woman and first African to hold the role.