HARARE, April 10 — Zimbabweans have proudly welcomed the election of Kirsty Coventry as the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion and Zimbabwe‘s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, becomes the first woman and African to lead the IOC. “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,” Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on X late Thursday. Many Zimbabweans expressed joy on social media at Coventry’s election as the leader of the global Olympic body. “Congratulations to IOC President Coventry. She has scored many firsts. First Female IOC president. First IOC president from Africa,” said Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana on X. The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) described Coventry as the pride of the country. “Huge congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as IOC president! As the first African, woman and youngest leader in the role, she embodies excellence and pride for Africa, Zimbabwe and women. We are proud to support her as she leads the IOC into a new era,” the ZOC said.
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