Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda has thrown his full support behind the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) new president, Kirsty Coventry, following her headline-making decision to halt the host city election process for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Coventry’s move, her first major act since assuming leadership, pauses the fast-tracking model used under her predecessor Thomas Bach and signals a reset in how Olympic host cities are selected. It is a change that has not only caught global attention but also earned praise from regional sports leaders like Samuda, who described it as a bold and visionary move that places greater value on transparency and collective engagement.

"A very dramatic start to the presidency of Kirsty Coventry. She's out of the blocks with a purpose and an inclusive vision in announcing that there will be a pause on the election process for awarding host cities the Olympic Games. I suspect she is seeking to engage members further in the process—an approach I believe will allow for greater consultation, transparency, and confidence," Samuda told SportsMax.Tv.

He lauded Coventry’s commitment to redefining the Olympic movement’s decision-making ethos, noting that the new approach emphasizes broader member involvement over executive centralization.

"She clearly is asserting the voice of members as pivotal to the dialogue for greater change in the Olympic movement and also the transformation of its sporting economy. And this move, I believe, will secure another vote of confidence for her,” Samuda added.

India had emerged as a strong early contender for the 2036 Games, alongside a growing list of potential hosts including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Turkey. However, Coventry’s pause signals a significant shift from previous IOC practice, particularly the controversial 2032 Brisbane selection, which critics said lacked transparency and member involvement.

Samuda sees Coventry’s action not as a delay, but as a necessary recalibration.

"It is a pause to reflect, introspect, and project to ensure a better product of the Olympic Games. Any organisation wishing to remain relevant and viable should occasionally do this. So it is a good move. The Olympic Games embody our common humanity in sport and should reflect the majority rather than the minority perspective," the JOA boss declared.

"Although one city currently hosts the Games, it is a global asset—the culture of which, while celebrating the ethos of the host city, is universal. After all, the Olympic Games is sport’s global citizenry in action," he added.

During the recent meeting, Coventry also announced two working groups—one to examine the host selection process and the other to address issues such as safeguarding the female category in Olympic competition, especially following controversy surrounding women’s boxing at the Paris 2024 Games.

In addition to plans for 2036, Coventry reaffirmed her commitment to the values of unity and inclusion ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—defending the city as a “platform for Olympic values” despite recent political controversies.

With her presidency now underway and sweeping changes already in motion, Coventry is quickly redefining the IOC’s leadership tone. And with the backing of voices like Samuda’s from across the Olympic family, the Zimbabwean trailblazer appears to have hit the ground running.

"She’s reminding us that the Olympic Games is not just about sport; it’s about people, purpose, and progress,” Samuda ended.