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President Mnangagwa yesterday led Zimbabweans and international sporting bodies in hailing Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry for ascending to the apex of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Yesterday she was voted president of IOC to replace Thomas Bach.
“Congratulations to our own Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as the first female and first African President of the IOC. A proud achievement for Zimbabwe and the continent! Wishing her the greatest of success,” wrote the President on X.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) congratulated Coventry on her election to become the 10th IOC president.
Coventry was elected in Costa Navarino, Greece and will assume office after a handover from Bach on June 23. Andrew Parsons, IPC president, said: “The IOC is the IPC’s most important strategic partner and on behalf of the whole Paralympic Movement I would like to congratulate Kirsty on her election as IOC president.
“To become the first woman and African to be president of the IOC is historic, and throughout her campaign Kirsty championed harnessing the power of sport to make a difference. Over the last weeks and months, we have spoken regularly on building an even stronger partnership between the IOC and IPC. We look forward to working with her from June when the handover to the new IOC president takes place.”
World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam was also among the early ones to congratulate the legendary former swimmer.
“On behalf of World Aquatics, I sincerely congratulate Kirsty Coventry on this well-earned election as IOC president. This is a welcome result for all aquatic sports, athletes, and stakeholders within the Olympic Movement. I look forward to working closely with Coventry to further strengthen aquatics sports and ensure that the Olympic Games remain an unparalleled platform for excellence, fairness, and global unity,” said Al-Musallam.
The 41-year-old multi-medal winner at the Olympics, became the first woman to land the post after beating six other contestants to the seat. She was the odds-on favourite polling 49 votes against Juan Antonio Samaranch who was also a strong candidate given that his father was at the helm of the same organisation for ages.
Yesterday the global Olympic family decided to vote for a woman for a change. They voted Africa for the first time a key element in fostering inclusivity in sport.
Prince Feisal-Al Hussein polled two votes like Johan Eliasch, David Lappartient scored four with Morinari Watanabe and legendary former middle distance runner who like Coventry starred on the world stage, Sebastian Coe, had eight votes. Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association (BMCA) chairperson Godwin Dube was among a host of sports association representatives to congratulate the Sports Minister.
“On behalf of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association and Tuskers Cricket, we would like to wish Honourable Kirsty Coventry the best of luck in her new role as the IOC president. It is our hope that as a nation cricket and sport in general will benefit from her latest assignment,” Dube said.
Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ) honorary president Lucky Mlilo, also weighed in.
“What an incredible achievement! Kirsty Coventry, the Zimbabwe Sports Minister, has made history by becoming the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This is a monumental milestone not only for Zimbabwe but for Africa as a whole.”
Mlilo, who is also the president of the Squash Federation of Africa (SFA) added that here election is a demonstration of her dedication, hard work and passion for sports.
“Kirsty’s remarkable journey, from being a seven-time Olympic swimming medallist to becoming the IOC president, is an inspiration to many. Her leadership will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the IOC, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will make,” said Mlilo of the successful Olympic athlete, who won seven medals at three Olympics — the Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008).
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) president Tendayi Tagara, described the win as a monumental achievement.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kirsty Coventry for this monumental achievement. Having someone from Africa, and specifically Zimbabwe, rise to such a prestigious leadership position within the International Olympic Committee is a momentous occasion.
“It’s not just a personal victory for Kirsty, but a victory for Africa as a whole. This is a significant step forward, and I truly believe this could be a catalyst for Africa to one day host the Olympics. As a nation and as a continent, we have shown that we are capable of producing world-class talent and leadership. This accomplishment underscores the potential that Africa holds in the global sporting arena. We deserve recognition, and we deserve to have our voices heard on the world stage,” said Tagara.
Rugby’s veteran administrator, Martin Shone said: “This is a monumental feat for both Kirsty Coventry and for Zimbabwe. As a nation, we should take immense pride in her achievement. Kirsty’s elevation to such a prestigious role is a reflection of her incredible talent, dedication and vision. But this accomplishment goes beyond Zimbabwe this is something that benefits all of Africa. It demonstrates that Africa is not only capable of producing world-class athletes, but also exceptional leaders who can influence global sporting policy.”
