Sam Ramsamy celebrates Kirsty Coventry's historic IOC presidency: A milestone for gender equality in sport
SAM Ramsamy, South Africa's life honorary member and former executive board member of the International Olympic Committee, was present for the changing of the guard when Kirsty Coventry became the first woman IOC president.
Coventry's statement-making appointment for gender equality in sports leadership happened in Lausanne, Switzerland, last week.
She is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner in swimming and a previous Zimbabwean Youth, Sports Arts and Recreation minister, who has also become the first African to take up the IOC's top position.
The 41-year-old Coventry's 8-year reign began on June 23, on the 131st birthday of the Olympic movement, has a total of seven Olympic medals (2 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze) to her name.
She took over from German Thomas Bach, who led the IOC since 2013.
Given his long association with Coventry, Ramsamy was certain that the IOC's running will go swimmingly with her at the helm.
'Having served as Minister of Sport in Zimbabwe, I am certain that it has given her the opportunity of being aware of the political landscape, which is so necessary in today's sports-political scenario.'
Ramsamy was also convinced that her time competing at the highest levels will also be to the benefit of the organisation and the participants.
'No doubt Kirsty (Coventry) will pursue looking after the well-being of athletes while ensuring the fluent administration of the IOC, its activities, constituencies and affiliated Federations,' said Ramsamy.
He got to know Coventry when she was still a junior swimmer.
'Having known Kirsty since her competitive days, we always acted cordially. Our friendship continues to this day.
'She took part in the African Games in Johannesburg in 1999 and won silver in the 100m backstroke. The gold medal went to Charlene Wittstock, now Princess Charlene of Monaco.
'Kirsty was also a member of the gold medal Zimbabwe 4 x 100m relay team.'
He said her determination to succeed continued and in 2004, at the Athens Olympic Games, she bagged three medals (gold, silver and bronze).
'Of course, we as Africans were extremely proud.
'After her extraordinary performances, we organised a victory celebration at the South African Hospitality Centre for Kirsty and the Zimbabwe Olympic Team'.
Ramsamy said she became an IOC Member in 2012. And served as IOC Board member on two different sessions.
Ramsamy also had a close association with Bach.
'Thomas (Bach) always interacted with anyone who wished to chat with, especially athletes.
'Because of our personal relationship, he would openly discuss issues affecting sport at a political level.
'He went out of his way to explain the demise of apartheid and the role sport played.'
Ramsamy said their friendship began long before they were elected to the IOC as members, well before the 1990s.
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