Milan, Italy – Kirsty Coventry, the first female president in the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 132-year history, faced her first significant political test during the recently concluded 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Games, while largely considered a success, presented a series of challenges that foreshadow tougher negotiations and decisions as the organization prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Coventry, a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, took office with a reputation for integrity and a focus on sport. However, the Milan Cortina Games quickly demonstrated that navigating the complex world of international politics is an unavoidable aspect of the IOC presidency. From navigating diplomatic tensions to addressing athlete protests, Coventry’s initial foray into the role was a baptism by fire, offering a preview of the hurdles ahead, particularly with the Los Angeles Games looming.
One early test involved building rapport with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who received boos from the crowd during the opening ceremony, according to reports from the Associated Press. Coventry had initially hoped to similarly meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, but he did not travel to Italy for the men’s ice hockey final, despite expectations. This interaction and the absence of the President, highlighted the delicate balance Coventry must strike when dealing with political figures and national interests.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry speaks during the Olympic opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Yves Herman/Pool Photo via AP)
Perhaps the most visible challenge arose from the controversy surrounding Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who displayed a helmet memorializing athletes and coaches killed in the Russian military invasion. Coventry’s trackside meeting with Heraskevych on February 12th ultimately failed to prevent his disqualification, a decision that drew criticism and sparked debate about the IOC’s stance on political expression at the Games. Heraskevych himself reportedly expressed disappointment with the outcome of the meeting, according to reports.
The incident prompted a visible emotional response from Coventry, with images of her in tears during a press conference becoming a defining moment of her early presidency. The Associated Press noted this display of emotion, while also acknowledging Heraskevych’s dissatisfaction. The situation underscored the difficulty of balancing the IOC’s commitment to political neutrality with the realities of global conflicts and athlete advocacy.
Beyond the immediate crises, Coventry also faced scrutiny regarding the IOC’s own finances and future Olympic host cities. A list of concerns was presented to her in Milan, encompassing issues related to Olympic officials and their governments. Responding to these challenges, Coventry reportedly stated, “It’s a job only a woman could do,” expressing confidence in her ability to navigate these complex issues.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics present a different set of challenges. According to a Facebook post from SABC News on March 21, 2025, Coventry expressed a desire to meet with President Trump to ensure the success of the Games. A report from U.S. News & World Report on June 26, 2025, indicated that the United States is “committed ‘across the board’ to LA 2028 success,” but also noted that Los Angeles had been “hit by protests.” These factors suggest a potentially contentious environment as preparations for the Summer Games progress.
Coventry’s initial experiences in Milan demonstrate a willingness to engage directly with difficult situations and a recognition of the political complexities inherent in her role. As she turns her attention to Los Angeles, her ability to build relationships, navigate international tensions, and address concerns about the IOC’s governance will be crucial to ensuring a successful Games.
The coming months will be critical as Coventry works to solidify plans for 2028, address ongoing financial concerns, and foster a collaborative environment with the Los Angeles organizing committee and the U.S. Government. The lessons learned in Milan will undoubtedly shape her approach as she prepares for what promises to be an even more challenging Olympic cycle.
What are your thoughts on the challenges facing the IOC under its first female president? Share your comments below and let us know what you think the biggest hurdles will be for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
