HARARE, Zimbabwe — Homegrown pride surged across Zimbabwe on Sunday as Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), returned triumphantly to her native land. Coventry’s victory is being hailed as a historic event for Zimbabwe, a nation that has endured lengthy periods of seclusion and punitive sanctions from the United States and other Western powers.
At 41, not only did Coventry rise to the top of the global Olympic movement, but she also made history by becoming both the first woman and the first African to achieve this prestigious position. Among her competitors were notable figures, including the leaders of world track and field and international cycling, as well as a royal family member from Jordan. Her triumph in Greece on Thursday was hard-earned yet celebrated on Zimbabwean soil as a broader achievement.
“We broke down barriers together,” Coventry expressed to her fellow citizens, emphasizing the collective triumph. Her arrival in Harare witnessed vibrant scenes of celebration. Traditional African dancers adorned in animal skins and bird feather headgear performed animated folklore routines while trumpets and drums filled the air. The energy extended to various sports representatives, including female cricketers and young karate enthusiasts, accompanied by enthusiastic cheers from children in school attire.
A female boxing referee, Abigail Madera, remarked on the occasion, stating, “Men have had dominance in sports for so long; I’m ecstatic that one of us is now poised to confront the issues affecting women in sports.” This sentiment was echoed by Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who highlighted the global spotlight now turned towards Zimbabwe, stating, “This will elevate Zimbabwe on the global stage.”
Coventry’s illustrious career as a swimmer includes being a back-to-back Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters backstroke at both the 2004 and 2006 Games. Retiring from swimming following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, she possesses seven Olympic medals, making her Africa’s most decorated Olympian. Her sportsmanship has consistently been a source of national unity and pride.
Despite her commendable sports career, Coventry’s 2018 decision to serve as Zimbabwe’s sports minister sparked debate due to the government’s controversial human rights record and allegations of political oppression. In 2020, critics questioned her acceptance of a government lease on land obtained through forceful land reforms. Nonetheless, her latest achievement has garnered widespread local support and congratulatory gestures.
As Coventry prepares to relocate to Lausanne, Switzerland, she plans to resign from her ministerial duties in Zimbabwe, preparing for her eight-year term leading the IOC, set to commence in June. Her new role comes with significant challenges, such as addressing athlete benefits, navigating the consequences of Russia’s Olympic suspension due to geopolitical tensions, handling issues of gender eligibility in sports, and managing relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, especially with Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics.