Harare, Mar 24 (UNI) International Olympic Committee (IOC) President-elect Kirsty Coventry on Sunday received a heroine's welcome upon her return to her home nation of Zimbabwe.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking on this journey with me because all of you have played a significant role in doing that. And this is not just my success, it is our success," said Coventry during her welcome reception at Harare Airport.

On Thursday, Coventry was elected as the 10th president of the IOC, making history as the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC.

"We broke down so many barriers in that vote, and I want to thank all my IOC colleagues for giving me that faith, and giving me that confidence and giving me their trust," said Coventry.

The 41-year-old former Olympian has served as Zimbabwe's sports minister since 2018. She is one of Africa's most decorated Olympians, having won seven Olympic medals, including two golds.

"During the campaign, I focused a lot on being the best person. Not gender, not about continent. But now I am really very proud that we can say we are the first Zimbabwean, the first African, and the first woman," said Coventry.

The president-elect will assume office after the handover from the outgoing president Thomas Bach on June 23, and said she looks forward to assuming her position.

"This is going to be an exciting tenure. Lots of different challenges but lots of opportunities," said Coventry, who expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee for supporting her as she begins a journey with the IOC.

"We have not had the easiest of times, but we have come out stronger, and we are really making a difference. There are policies that have been put in place and legislation that's being put in place that's never been done before, and I'm really proud of the work that we have all done," she added.

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