by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE’S Kirsty Coventry has been elected the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
She is the female president in IOC history of 130 years.
Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe in Greece.
“I am incredibly honoured 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,” she said.
The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment.
She is proud to be the first IOC president from Africa.
“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.”
Coventry (41) participated in five successive Olympics from the years 2000 and 2006, winning seven medals.
She is the current sports minister in Zimbabwe.
Thomas Bach, outgoing IOC president, congratulated her.
“I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period,” Bach said.
– CAJ News