Kirsty Coventry Receives Heroine’s Welcome as IOC President-elect in Zimbabwe
Kirsty Coventry received a heroine’s welcome in Zimbabwe following her election as IOC President, making history as the first woman and first African to hold the position. She expressed gratitude to her supporters and emphasized the importance of her journey as a collective success. Coventry looks forward to her tenure beginning on June 23, citing both challenges and opportunities ahead.
On March 23, Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, received an enthusiastic welcome upon returning to Zimbabwe. During her reception at Harare Airport, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, stating, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking on this journey with me because all of you have played a significant role in doing that. And this is not just my success, it is our success.” Coventry made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC, having been elected as its 10th president. Coventry, 41, has been the sports minister of Zimbabwe since 2018 and is celebrated as one of Africa’s most accomplished Olympians, boasting seven Olympic medals, including two golds. She emphasized during her campaign the importance of merit over gender or geographical origin, remarking, “During the campaign, I focused a lot on being the best person. Not gender, not about continent. But now I am really very proud that we can say we are the first Zimbabwean, the first African, and the first woman.” As she prepares to take office following a transition from outgoing president Thomas Bach on June 23, Coventry is looking ahead optimistically. She noted, “This is going to be an exciting tenure. Lots of different challenges but lots of opportunities,” and expressed appreciation for the support received from the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee. Coventry acknowledged the hardships faced but highlighted the progress made, stating, “We have not had the easiest of times, but we have come out stronger, and we are really making a difference.”
In summary, Kirsty Coventry’s homecoming to Zimbabwe highlights her historic election as the IOC President, marking a significant achievement for women and Africans in sports leadership. Coventry’s extensive accomplishments as an Olympian and her role as sports minister underscore her commitment to making a positive impact in the landscape of sports governance. Her forward-looking statements reflect hope and determination as she prepares to assume her role and address future challenges and opportunities.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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