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Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TWENTY-ONE years ago, thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for a resounding welcome ceremony for swimming legend, Kirsty Coventry, who had just scooped three medals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
Coventry won a gold, a silver and a bronze in a breathtaking performance that prompted the late former Zimbabwe Olympic Committee chairperson, Paul Chingoka, to describe her as “our national treasure.”
She went on to win a further four medals, a gold and three silver at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Away from the blue waters, Coventry on Wednesday night turned back the hands of time in a different style as the nation gathered once again for her.
Only that this time it was not a welcome gig, but a send-off bash.
The who-is-who of local sport, including the newly-appointed Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, gathered at Heritage Village in Harare to bid farewell to Coventry, who was elected president of the International Olympic Committee last month.
Resultantly, Coventry vacated her post as Minister of Sport, and has been replaced by Sanyatwe.
And Sanyatwe, chose not to describe the event as a goodbye, but a “go forth” for Coventry, the first African and first woman to be elected IOC president.
“So, as we raise our glasses tonight, let us not say goodbye, but rather, go forth Kirsty Coventry and conquer!” declared Sanyatwe, amid a thunderous applause from the house.
“Your (Coventry) election is not just a personal triumph; it is a victory for Zimbabwe, for Africa, and for all those who believe in the transformative power of sport.
“It sends a powerful message that women are not only capable of achieving greatness in sports and administration, but also that they can lead at the highest levels of global sports administration.
“The Olympic flame burns brighter because of you.
“Zimbabwe stands with you. Africa stands with you. The world awaits your leadership history!”
Sanyatwe described his predecessor as a “Golden Girl” and “Dear daughter” of Zimbabwe.
“We gather to celebrate a remarkable individual, a true champion, both on and off the field, a beloved friend and sister, the golden girl and dear daughter of our country, Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Coventry’s remarkable journey is one built on extraordinary integrity and dedication, decorated with unparalleled achievements and unwavering commitment to the values of sportsmanship and service.
“She has indeed inspired generations of young athletes to pursue their dreams, and strive for excellence.
“Her phenomenal success brought immense pride and recognition to Zimbabwe as a nation and showcased the nation’s great sporting potential on the global stage.
“Beyond the pool, Coventry’s service to our nation as the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has been nothing short of transformative.
“She brought a fresh perspective, a dynamic energy, and a deep understanding of the power of sport to unite and uplift communities,” added Sanyatwe.
Coventry replaced German Thomas Bach as the new IOC president, making history for the African continent.
Her victory has been celebrated across the continent.
The Ministry of Youth and Sport in Angola sent its congratulatory message.
“On behalf of all sportsmen and women in the Republic of Angola, the youth movement and the government, we wish to express our deepest satisfaction for the recent of Kirsty Coventry as president of the International Olympic Committee,” read the statement from Angola.
“This is a historical milestone as it marks the election of a tireless leader of youth and sport on the continent.
“Coventry rises to a new level of responsibility and we are confident that she will continue to promote global ideas and contribute to the true promotion of the Olympic values.”
Sport and Recreation Commission chairperson, Gerald Mlotshwa, went down memory lane as he relived the day Coventry made Zimbabwe and Africa proud, by winning a swimming gold medal at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
“I want to say that sport has the power to unite you in a way that others don’t.
“And that’s what Kirsty (Coventry) managed to achieve for us,” said Mlotshwa.
“When she won gold, I think all of you probably remember how you felt. For many of us we shed a tear.
“Tears of pure joy. The feeling of being proud to be a Zimbabwean. That’s what she did for us in 2004.”
Coventry was evidently overwhelmed.
She walked to several tables hugging her colleagues and some of the invited guests.
“I just want to thank you very much.
“It’s truly a huge honour for me to here listening tonight and to get to see everybody.
“So, thank you very much for hosting us and putting this event on,” a humbled Coventry said.
Several sports administrators including Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Thabani Gonye attended the function.
Deputy Minister of Sport Emily Jesaya, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi as well as boxing promoters Lindsay Earle and Stalin Mau Mau were among the guests at the well-attended function.
Online Reporter