Historic! Kirsty Trebles It as IOC New Boss
Kirsty Coventry
Petros Kausiyo
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa last night led Zimbabweans and the global sporting family in celebrating a milestone when Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry romped to a massive victory in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) election in Greece. The President said Coventry’s victory was a proud moment for the country and the African continent. Writing on his X handle, President Mnangagwa said: “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,’’ President Mnangagwa said. Coventry becomes the 10th president of the IOC. She becomes the first woman and African to ever be elected to the position in the 131-year-hisytory of the Olympic movement. At 41, Coventry will also be the youngest ever to be elected to the position after she powered to victory ahead of six other contestants in a heavyweight field where all her rivals were male. In the poll staged in the seaside resort of Costa Navarino in Greece Coventry garnered 49 votes to secure a landslide victory and land the most powerful job in world sport. Her nearest rival Juan Antonio Samaranch of Spain had 28, while Briton and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe was distant third with eight votes. Other candidates David Lappartient (four) Morinari Watanabe (four) Johan Eliasch (two) and Prince Feisal Al Hussein two completed the race. Coventry will officially take up the role on June 24, after incumbent Thomas Bach steps down following a 12-year spell in charge. ReadMore