The election of Kirsty Coventry as president of the IOC was instigated by former CANOC President Brian Lewis’ challenge to the IOC in 2018 to elect a woman president, according to the current CANOC President.

“Coventry’s ascent to the presidency of the IOC is very much a response to CANOC’s Brian Lewis’ appeal at the forum, Olympism In Action, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the Youth Olympics in 2018,” CANOC President Keith Joseph wrote.

“In a discussion on women in sport, Lewis challenged the IOC and the entire Olympic Movement to elect a woman as the organisation’s next president. To Brian’s credit, it has been realised.”

In a recent interview with the Trinidad Express, Brian Lewis said: "When I made the statement that the next president should be a female, the room gasped — as if I had said something I ought not to have said. 

"It is great for the IOC and its history that for the first time ever, a female has been elected to this role. It has taken far too long."

Coventry will also be the first IOC president from the Global South.

"IOC needs change, not continuity"

In an editorial in the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, Lewis said: "While the election of Coventry can be seen as a significant win for inclusivity and progress, she will have to show that she can rise to the occasion and demonstrate the necessary competence, skill set and leadership.

"The IOC is at a crossroads. Regardless of the perception that she represents continuity and exchange, rather than the change that the IOC badly needs at this time."

Brian Lewis is on the Advisory Board of Host City, where he has helped to shape the conference agenda as part of a diverse group of industry-wide stakeholders.