Newly appointed International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry outlined her vision to bridge the Olympic Movement with younger generations during her first executive board press conference this week. Emphasizing innovation as key to relevance, Coventry highlighted esports, TikTok, and artificial intelligence (AI) as critical tools for fostering global youth engagement.
Decoding Gen-Z Communication
Coventry shared a personal anecdote about learning to 'decipher' interactions with her niece, stressing the need to adapt to evolving digital landscapes. 'We must meet youth where they are—whether through gaming platforms or short-form video trends,' she told CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan.
AI and Universal Appeal
The IOC's AI Agenda, launched last year, will play a central role in creating region-specific engagement strategies. 'AI helps us scale personalized experiences while maintaining the Olympics' universal values,' Coventry explained, noting plans to collaborate with tech partners worldwide.
China Visit Signals Regional Focus
Coventry confirmed her attendance at November's 15th National Games in Guangdong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Macao Special Administrative Region—a move underscoring Asia's growing influence in global sports innovation. The event is expected to showcase hybrid physical-digital sporting formats gaining traction among young audiences.
