Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed Kirsty Coventry’s election as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a landmark achievement not only for Zimbabwe but for the entire African continent.
Speaking at a grand banquet held at State House on Tuesday to honor Coventry, President Mnangagwa congratulated her for making history as the newly elected 10th President of the IOC.
Coventry, who was elected at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, on March 20, 2025, becomes the first-ever woman and African to hold this prestigious position.
The President expressed immense pride on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), for Coventry’s remarkable accomplishment.
He emphasized that her victory symbolizes Africa’s readiness to lead on the global stage, echoing a sentiment Coventry herself shared after her election.
“This victory is not just a source of inspiration and pride for Zimbabwe, but for Africa as a whole. Honourable Coventry is our national treasure and a beacon of hope for young athletes across Africa and the developing world,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also extended his gratitude to Coventry’s family for their pivotal role in her success. He paid tribute to her parents, Mr. Rob and Mrs. Lyn Coventry, as well as her husband, Mr. Tyrone Seward, acknowledging the sacrifices and unwavering support they provided throughout her illustrious career.
“Your guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support have helped shape Honourable Coventry into the incredible leader she is today,” he said.
The President highlighted the powerful symbolism behind Coventry’s achievement, tracing her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings at Dominican Convent to competing in five Olympic Games—starting from Sydney in 2000 to Rio in 2016—before transitioning into a successful public service role as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture in 2018.
“Kirsty has always embraced new challenges with confidence and resilience. I have been privileged to witness her growth as a leader in both sport and public service. She brings the same qualities of humility, hard work, and focus to her leadership role as she did to her sporting career,” he said.
The President also celebrated the significant progress Zimbabwe has made under Coventry’s leadership in sports.
Since her appointment, Zimbabwe has seen numerous sporting successes, including the qualification of the national netball team, the Gems, for two Netball World Cups, the Warriors’ qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the Zimbabwe men’s rugby team winning the African Championship.
Furthermore, the country has hosted major international events such as the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in 2023, which further solidified Zimbabwe’s reputation as a global sporting destination.
President Mnangagwa urged Coventry to continue advocating for the needs of athletes, particularly those from developing countries, as she assumes her new role at the IOC.
“Sport has the power to unite and empower us. Your leadership at the helm of the IOC will not only support the aspirations of young athletes but will also contribute to achieving the ‘Africa we all want.’ May your leadership continue to inspire, and may it bring about lasting change for athletes and nations around the world,” he said.
New Ziana
