Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
KIRSTY Coventry received a homecoming reception fit for a queen after she returned home yesterday − three days after she made history as the first African representative to be elected the International Olympic Committee president.
The country’s Sports Minister and Olympian also became the first woman to be elected to lead the global Olympic movement.
Hundreds of people, including fellow Ministers, converged at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to welcome Coventry as she returned home from her historic mission to Greece where she smashed the glass ceiling and rewrote the history books.
She won the elections in comprehensive fashion in the first round.
The expectations were that it was going to be a tough contest which would be decided after a couple of rounds.
But, it turned into a mismatch as Coventry captured more than half the votes in the first round.
Athletes, who included another Olympian Abel Chimukoko, and representatives from a number of sporting disciplines like cricket, football, netball, rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and darts converged at the RGM International Airport to give Coventry a fitting homecoming reception.
Scores of school children were also there to welcome the most powerful sports leader in the world right now.
Coventry hailed Zimbabweans for their support.
“We have broken so many barriers,” she said.
“I would like to thank the support I got from the Government, my Ministry and staff, my family and journalists for the big coverage.
“Your support gave me faith and, yes, we came first.
“Thank you everyone for the support and the welcome,” she said.
Traditional dance groups also performed at the airport. Coventry appeared overwhelmed by the massive support she received from her countrymen and women.
Coventry becomes the 10th person to occupy the powerful seat of IOC president.
At 41, she is the youngest person to be elected IOC president.
She will take over in June and her first major event is likely to be here in Africa when the Youth Olympic Games are held in Dakar, Senegal, next year.
Mathew Masinge