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Sports Reporter

SPORT, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry is back in the country after her election as International Olympic Committee president.

The IOC president-elect was assisted through the protocols at RGM International Airport by officials from the Sports Ministry and the Sports and Recreation Committee this evening.

The 41-year-old was elected the 10th President of the IOC at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, on Thursday.

Minister Coventry replaces outgoing president Thomas Bach for an eight-year term of office, starting on Olympic Day, 23 June.

Upon arrival in Harare, she received a bouquet of flowers from Deputy Minister of

Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Emily Jesaya, before getting on the dance floor, much to the delight of many stakeholders that gathered to give her a warm welcome.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking this journey with me. All of you have played a significant role in doing that,” said Minister Coventry.

“We broke down so many barriers. I would like to thank all my IOC colleagues for giving me the faith, confidence and trust.”

Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa promised continued support to the IOC president-elect.

“This is very significant, especially for the girl child, for all women out there,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“You are a source of inspiration for many girls.”

Minister Coventry has become the first woman and the first African to serve as IOC President.

The president-elect comes in at a time the IOC must make difficult decisions on the issue of the Russian Olympic ban and that of transgender women in sport.