Swm: Coventry hopes gold will lift Zimbabwe

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2004
Swm: Coventry hopes gold will lift Zimbabwe

By Alan Baldwin

ATHENS, Aug 20 Reuters - Kirsty Coventry hopes she can serve as an example to her troubled
compatriots after becoming Zimbabwe's first Olympic swimming gold medallist.

The 20-year-old, who studies liberal arts at Auburn University in Alabama, dispelled
any doubts about her loyalty to her country after tonight adding 200 metre backstroke
gold to the 100 backstroke silver and 200 individual medley bronze.

"The whole thing about Olympics is being able to come and represent your country in
sport and that's exactly what I did," she said.

"I was representing Zimbabwe, I was born there and it's in my blood.

"I'm just so proud to be representing Zimbabwe and to be here for all of the people
at home and just to let them know that they can follow their dreams and it will take them
anywhere."

Zimbabwe has been in political and economic turmoil since foreign and local monitors
alleged President Robert Mugabe rigged his re-election in 2002 and was persecuting his
opponents.

The European Union and the United States have imposed limited sanctions on Harare.

"I don't think politics should interfere with sport and I think every country goes
through troubles," said the swimmer.

"My swimming has always been something that, if I have had trouble in school or my
personal life or anything, has given me a way to go and get away from everything.

"It's been hard being so far away from home and not always knowing what's going on
and worrying a little bit about how everyone is doing right now.

"But I know they are all strong and it really hasn't affected me.

"Sportsmen in Zimbabwe lean towards their sports to give them support."

Coventry said she had given everything to secure her full set of medals, knowing it
was her last race of the Games and she had nothing to lose by pulling out all the stops.

She said that she had also changed her travel plans and instead of returning to the
United States, would now have a triumphant homecoming to Zimbabwe instead.

"I think when I get home and see how excited everyone is then it will sink in," she said.

"I have so many e-mails and newspaper cuttings coming from home. Everybody is just
very excited, the whole country is excited and I'm just proud to be the one to make the
country have some joy and excitement."

Reuters sp

KEYWORD: OLY SWM BACK LEAD

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