ZIMBABWE’S most decorated Olympian and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry has been awarded the World Aquatics Honorary Order, the global swimming mother body’s highest distinction.
Coventry was presented with the award during the World Aquatics General Congress in Singapore.
Incidentally, Coventry was in Singapore on a three-day visit where she attended the ongoing World Aquatics Championships, participated in events with athletes and authorities, and strengthened the ties between the Olympic Movement and Asia.
Coventry was accompanied throughout her stay by Ser Miang Ng, IOC member in Singapore. In her speech, Coventry highlighted the role of sport in inspiring future generations.
“Please, keep pushing boundaries. Continue leading by example. This will only make our sport stronger and motivate many generations to come. From the Olympic Movement, we see you as a strong and valuable partner,” said Coventry, who was joined on stage by her lifelong coach, Kim Brackin and Australian swimming legend Susie O’Neill during the award presentation.
At the same event, IOC honorary president Thomas Bach presented the World Aquatics Order of Merit to South African Sam Ramsamy, IOC honorary member, for nearly three decades of service and his defence of equality in sport.
“Sam, you are a great man, a great friend. There is no one more deserving of this honour,” said Bach. Coventry added: “Sam, I am proud of you. Africa is proud of you. ‘‘You have brought people together and stood up for what is right.”
Coventry also attended a lunch organized by the Singapore National Olympic Council, which was attended by Olympians, young athletes, and representatives of national federations and sponsors.
“As athletes, our goal is to inspire the next generation. Thank you for ensuring that sport remains a platform for young people to chase their dreams,” Coventry stated.
During her stay, Coventry met with Singapore’s president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, to discuss the unifying power of sport.
She also met with Japanese Olympic Committee president Seiko Hashimoto, representatives from the Uzbekistan Olympic Committee, and several IOC members.
Coventry also attended the International Swimming Hall of Fame ceremony, where Joseph Schooling, Singapore’s first Olympic champion, was inducted in his hometown.
At the same event, Husain AlMusallam, president of World Aquatics, was recognized for his contribution to the development of aquatic sports. — sportsin.biz/ Sports Writer
