Latest news with #ZimbabweOlympicCommittee
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Coventry makes Zimbabwe proud, despite some criticism
Zimbabwe expressed pride Friday at the appointment of its sports minister as International Olympic Committee president but there was also criticism of the state of sports under Kirsty Coventry's watch. The 41-year-old Zimbabwean, who has contributed seven of Zimbabwe's overall Olympic medals tally of eight, on Thursday became the first woman and the first African to occupy sport's most powerful role, and the youngest person ever elected to the job. She deserved it, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said. "We are very happy as Zimbabwe," he told reporters. "It is an achievement. Above all, she deserves it, she has done a lot. She highly, highly qualifies for that position." Coventry joined Zimbabwe's much-criticised government in 2018 as minister of sports and arts. Her election as IOC president was "a moment of immense pride for Zimbabwe and Africa," Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi said in a post on social media. "Her unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for sport have inspired generations, and we have no doubt she will steer the Olympic movement to even greater heights." "We're proud to support her as she leads the IOC into a new era," said the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee. A resident of the capital Harare, Primrose Kazunza, told AFP: "She has lifted our flag high because Zimbabwe... is a rejected country." The southern African country is floundering under a years-long severe economic crisis underpinned by alleged government corruption, cronyism and mismanagement. Other commentators were critical about the state of sports in Zimbabwe after around six years with Coventry as minister. Journalist Steve Vickers pointed to the length of time it was taking to renovate the national sports stadium, which was closed for work in 2023. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2021 banned the stadium from hosting international games because of its poor condition, a ruling that has now covers all Zimbabwe stadiums. But Coventry's election was less about her role as minister and due to her own sporting achievements, role as chairperson of the IOC Athletes Commission (2018-2021) and understanding of Olympic politics, Vickers said. - 'Inept regime' - Bhora Afrika sports magazine editor, Leopold Munhende, said Coventry had done little for sports development for Zimbabwe's poorer population. Anyone who believed in her capacities as minister would be referring to sports favoured by the better-off sections of society, such as cricket, rugby and swimming, he said. "The ordinary person in the ghetto benefitted nothing and expects nothing," he told AFP, adding: "I think Coventry was thrown into management before she had had time to build enough experience." Ardent soccer fan Marshall Muzamindo told AFP that, while he was happy for both Coventry and Zimbabwe, he believed her role as minister has been 'disastrous'. 'Our national soccer team is having to play its games in neighbouring countries because they banned our stadiums under Coventry's watch,' Muzamindo said in the city of Bulawayo. He also criticised her for being part of "an inept and corrupt regime'. Coventry's role as Zimbabwe's sports minister "has no relevance' to her new appointment, said sports journalist and soccer administrator Hope Chizuzu. In Zimbabwe, ministers are only 'political figureheads', he said. Nonetheless, it was good to have a representative of Africa in sports' most powerful administrative body, said analyst Lyton Ncube. "Coventry has demonstrated that there is agency in the global South," he told AFP. "I am confident that with necessary support, Coventry is going to lead the IOC to sporting greatness." strs-br/gj
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kirsty Coventry becomes first woman, African elected as IOC president
March 20 (UPI) -- International Olympic Committee members elected Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry as president, replacing Thomas Bach, the committee announced Thursday. Coventry will be the first woman and African to hold the role. Voting took place at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece. Coventry, a five-time Olympian, won seven medals, including two gold and four silver, during her swimming career. She is the most decorated Olympian from Africa. She went on to hold several roles with the Zimbabwe government, World Anti-Doping Agency, International Surfing Federation and World Aquatics, and served as vice president of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee. She also was a member of the IOC executive board. "I am incredibly honored and excited to be elected as president of the International Olympic Committee," Coventry said. "I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support. The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment." Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe were the other candidates vying to become the IOC's 10th president. Coventry received 49 of a possible 97 votes. Samaranch finished second with 28 votes. "I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa," Conventry said. "I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model. "Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. "Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can't wait to get started." Bach was first elected in 2013 and re-elected for a four-year term in 2021. He announced last month that he would not seek to extend his tenure. Bach, 71, will continue in his role until June 23. Coventry, 41, will then start an initial eight-year tenure. "Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC president," Bach said. "I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. "There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come."
