AMID the uncertainty surrounding a world being rocked by bombs and missiles, one historic photograph from Switzerland provided a ray of hope this week. Kirsty Coventry getting the torch of leadership to become the first woman to lead the International Olympic history on Monday. She is also the first African to hold the position. As Coventry settles into her new role, she will be “expected to move quickly to shape the organisation,” said the Sports Business Journal. This includes focusing on commercial evolution and sponsorship deals for the Olympics, as the “media landscape fragments and sponsors seek greater involvement to leverage their assets.” Spearheading the next decade of Olympic Games is also a priority, with hosts for the Summer and Winter Games set through 2034. The most pressing matter will likely involve dealing with the Olympics on the world stage, especially regarding controversial issues. This includes questions over gender roles, as the “first Summer Games under a female presidency will be the first with a majority of athlete quota places for women,” said The Associated Press. Coventry “often states the importance of ‘Olympic Values,’ which include gender parity, inclusion and inspiring young people through sports,” which she will likely prioritise during her tenure. But Coventry has also taken less clear stances on other matters; when “asked whether she thinks trans women should be allowed to compete in women’s competitions, she was evasive,” said Deutsche Welle. As she gets started on her to-do list, Coventry “may end up being a lot more independent and interesting” than the IOC was expecting, said The Guardian. While the new president is “likely to enjoy a honeymoon period, she knows there are landmines lurking everywhere.” Even the “biggest of beasts would struggle to lead a mammoth organisation that not only runs the Olympics but is a cheerleader, funder and regulator for much of sport.” But Coventry is up for the challenge. “The way in which I like to lead is with collaboration,” she told reporters. “All those people who may look at me and see one thing, kind of excites me. Because I think that they won’t see what is coming.” World Sailing president Quanhai Li has congratulated Coventry and thanked Thomas Bach for his leadership over the last 12 years. “On behalf of World Sailing, I extend my warmest congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on formally becoming IOC president. “On Olympic Day it is important to remember the principles that underpin the Olympic Movement and Ms Coventry is a superb choice to lead us into the future. “We look forward to working closely with the IOC to continue making a vital contribution to the Olympic Movement and supporting athletes the world over in achieving their dreams on and off the water.” − The Week/World Sailing/H-Metro Reporter