Harare, April 29, 2025 – The Cuban Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms. Susellys Pérez Mesa, attended today's tribute to Kirsty Coventry, former Minister of Sports, Culture, and the Arts of Zimbabwe and new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Perez Mesa greeted Coventry during the celebration organized by the Ministry of Women's Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development at the Rainbow Towers Convention Center in Harare.
The Ambassador congratulated the former Olympic champion swimmer in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 and wished her success as IOC leader.
Coventry expressed her pride in being Zimbabwean, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve at the helm of the ministry over these years, and assured her that she will never lose her roots, returning home with a passion for her country and the African continent.
Meanwhile, Minister Monica Mutswangwa highlighted Coventry's tenacity and determination throughout her sporting and professional career, as well as her example and significance for girls and women, for Zimbabwe, and for Africa.
The two-time Summer Games gold medalist continued making history on March 20 by becoming the first woman and athlete from Africa to assume the position of International Olympic Committee.
During the 144th IOC Session, the Zimbabwean surprised everyone with the results of the first round of voting, beating out the favorites, Spaniard Juan Antonio Samarach and Britain's Sebastian Coe.
Coventry, who succeeded Thomas Bach in June, had also been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2013 and served on its Athletes' Commission.