Story by ZBC Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister, Honourable Kirsty Coventry after her historic election as the first female, first African and youngest President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In a statement, President Mnangagwa said the 20th of March 2025 will remain etched in the annals of history both in Zimbabwe and across the globe after Honourable Coventry’s triumph.
“Thursday, March 20, 2025, will remain etched in the annals of history, both in Zimbabwe and across the entire world, as one of our own, Honourable Kirsty Coventry, was elected the IOC President, garnering 49 votes out of a possible 97,” he said.
He added that the victory by Honourable Coventry was no surprise in light of her meteoric rise in the world of sport from being a multiple Olympic champion to a leader.
“Even as you tackle the huge challenges that lie ahead in the new job, I am very confident that you will, undoubtedly, hold your own. You will be no push over and you will do justice to the task that awaits.”
President Mnangagwa also highlighted how Honourable Coventry’s approach to sport has always been marked by intense passion, focus and determination to success.
He added that in centuries to come, whenever the history of the IOC is spoken about or written down, Zimbabwe will be mentioned as having produced the first woman president, the first African president and youngest president of the sports organisation.
