Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, Wu Peng has joined the multiple voices celebrating the election of Zimbabwean swimming sensation, Dr Kirsty Coventry to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Coventry's tenure at the IOC will begin in June and she will be based at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. She has since resigned from her position as Zimbabwe's minister of sport, recreation, arts and culture.
Coventry has become the first woman and African to be elected president of the IOC.
IOL has recently reported that at 41, the two-time Olympic swimming champion is also the youngest ever elected to be the most powerful person in sports governance.
Glad to learn that Kirsty Coventry has been elected the first African and female president of the International Olympic Committee. Congratulations for making history! This is surely a proud moment for Africa and the world of sport. pic.twitter.com/ZeONQdyV6B
Commenting on social media platform X, Chinese Ambassador Wu said Coventry's election was a significant milestone for the continent of Africa.
Glad to learn that Kirsty Coventry has been elected the first African and female president of the International Olympic Committee. Congratulations for making history! This is surely a proud moment for Africa and the world of sport," he said.
On Monday, IOL reported that South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has expressed 'joy and anticipation’ after the then Zimbabwe’s minister of sports, Coventry made history with her election to the IOC.
McKenzie stated that Coventry’s rise to the top job in world sports signals a positive shift in global sports administration dynamics.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
“We must pay tribute to the work of the outgoing president of the IOC, Dr Thomas Bach, who received us so warmly and respectfully as a member country at Olympic House, after paying an official visit to South Africa last year,” said McKenzie.
“To know that the reins are being passed to an individual as accomplished and outspoken as Kirsty Coventry fills us with hope for the future of world sport, and Africa and the Global South’s place in it.”
McKenzie also spoke glowingly of Coventry’s achievements.
“She was already the most decorated Olympian in African history, with seven medals, including two golds.
“She has now reached the highest of pinnacles in all of sport,” added Minister McKenzie, paying tribute to the strong support Coventry was given by IOC members, winning the election on the first ballot, with 49 votes.
“This achievement is a proud moment for all of Africa. I look forward to engaging the president-elect personally in days to come, and to express my support for all the hard work that we know still lies ahead.”
Last year, IOL reported that the Chinese ambassador handed over to McKenzie a R2 million consignment of table tennis equipment donated to South Africa from China.
The mega donation which took place at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane, followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding in the field of sport in 2023 between the government of South Africa, and the government of China.