IOC President Kirsty Coventry Swaps the Pool for the Paddle

At Dakar 2026 Engagement Zone

DAKAR, Senegal

The spirit of continent-wide sport was on full display along the Corniche this Sunday at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Stepping away from her usual swimming environment, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry swapped the pool deck for ergometer paddle machines to experience paddlesport firsthand.

Guiding the Zimbabwean two-time Olympic swimming champion through the techniques were a group of dedicated IOC Athlete Role Models: Jean-Pierre Bourhis, Yves Bourhis, Combe Seck, and Edmond Sanka. Coventry’s hands-on participation drew enthusiastic crowds at the Place du Souvenir, bringing energy to the hundreds of local youth gathered to take part in the activation zone and celebrate the historic Games.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry Swaps the Pool for the Paddle

For our team and partners across the continent, the visit marked a proud moment. Paddle Worldwide used the high-profile platform to spotlight its ongoing initiatives to expand access to canoeing, kayaking, and paddlesports throughout Africa.

President Coventry was warmly received at the booth by Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko, standing alongside CAC President João Costa Alegre Afonso, whose longstanding camaraderie with the IOC President lent a genuinely collegiate feel to the reunion. Joining them in welcoming her were Paddle Worldwide Secretary General Richard Pettit and FSKK President Ady Fall.

Reflecting on the milestone of bringing the Youth Olympic Games to African soil for the first time, Konietzko praised Coventry’s personal leadership in making the vision a reality.

"It was a great day to welcome IOC President Madame Coventry to our engagement booth, and I have a feeling that she really enjoyed doing our sport," said Konietzko.

As we continue driving the growth of paddlesports across Africa, hosting world leaders and inspiring the next generation of African paddlers on home water remains at the very heart of our mission.