As Zimbabwe celebrates Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Tradition Kirsty Coventry’s historic election as president of the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC), each present and former athletes have hailed the milestone with pleasure and admiration – saluting one in all their very own for etching her title into international sporting historical past.
Coventry, who touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Worldwide Airport on Sunday, was greeted with jubilation from a passionate crowd that included high-ranking Authorities officers, sports activities dignitaries, and a number of Olympians – all united in recognition of a momentous nationwide achievement.
Amongst these current have been Olympians Abel Chimukoko, Tendai Chimusasa, Gaily Dube and Alexander Kwangwari, who every paid glowing tribute to the swimming icon.
Chimukoko, who’s president of the Zimbabwe Olympians Affiliation, stated Coventry’s rise to the highest of world sport was a proud second for all Olympians.
“We’re all excited. Our Honourable Minister Kirsty Coventry is an Olympian,” stated Chimukoko.
“As Olympians, we’re thrilled to have one in all us elected because the IOC president, which is the best workplace in international sport.
“She is the second-youngest IOC president ever, the primary feminine, the primary African, and the primary Zimbabwean to carry this place. It is a outstanding achievement.”
In a world the place athletes typically face obscurity after retirement, former long-distance runner Chimusasa stated Coventry’s success was a beacon of hope.
“We’re so happy with her as one of many Olympians. I as soon as travelled together with her to the Sydney Olympics,” stated Chimusasa.
“It’s so vital for Africa and for Zimbabwe that we now have an African chosen to be the IOC president. She has made us extremely proud.
“We’re particularly comfortable for girls. I consider fellow ladies will really feel impressed realizing that the primary feminine IOC president is from Zimbabwe. What a historic second.”
Former sprinter Gaily Dube echoed that sentiment, saying Coventry had raised the bar for what is feasible by self-discipline and perseverance.
“I’m privileged to witness this,” she stated.
“I am elated that one in all our personal has been elected as the primary lady, first African, and first Zimbabwean to steer the IOC in our lifetime.
Join free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the most recent in African information delivered straight to your inbox
“It’s an inspiration. She goes to inspire many individuals, significantly ladies, to grasp that we will additionally obtain nice issues.”
Former boxer Alexander Kwangwari, who represented Zimbabwe on the 1996 Olympic Video games, added: “I’m very happy with our Honourable Kirsty Coventry for representing us as Africa. I am very comfortable for her.”
Present nationwide group athletes additionally spoke of how the landmark second would encourage their very own efforts on the sphere of play.
With the Sables making ready for the Rugby Africa Cup in July, nationwide rugby captain Hilton Mudariki stated the unity and pleasure proven on Sunday underscored the ability of sport to uplift a nation.
“It positively conjures up us,” Mudariki stated.
“We all know that sport could make an enormous distinction. Sure, we do face tough instances, however as you may see, everyone seems to be comfortable.
“We’re celebrating her. It is one thing that may positively push us to attain extra this 12 months.”
Woman Chevrons cricketer Nomvelo Sibanda stated Coventry’s story was a reminder that goals are legitimate on this planet of sport.
“I feel I have been impressed,” stated Sibanda. “I consider that all the pieces is feasible by sport.
“It is an enormous achievement. It is positively one thing that may encourage the youthful era to consider in their very own potential and to play with function.”