World Sport News

Swimmer Kirsty Coventry (34) from Zimbabwe becomes the new chairwoman of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission.

The five-time Olympic starter (2000 to 2016) will succeed the Canadian ice hockey player Angela Ruggiero, who will retire from the committee after eight years in the commission and two years as chairwoman.

Coventry is a popular heroine in Zimbabwe. In 2004, she became the first Olympic champion of the South African country in a one-on-one competition over 200 meters backstroke.

With a total of seven medals (2/4/1) she is the most successful African athlete in Olympic history.