Coventry finishes on a high, earns Zimbabwe fourth place

ZIMBABWE’S Kirsty Coventry has finished high with staggering performances at this month's world short-course swimming championships putting the country in fourth place with four gold medals.

Coventry won all Zimbabwe's medals in Manchester, England.

"On the medals table, you can't see who wins what but yes, it was just me -- it feels amazing," Coventry told Reuters in an interview.

"It's a great honor to represent my country, so we finish so high on the medals table. It's a great achievement for everyone."

Coventry won four titles in Manchester breaking three gold medals and breaking world-records and a bronze medal.

She put Zimbabwe fourth overall, behind the U.S., Australia and the Netherlands, who also won four golds as well as five lesser medals.

Her performance brought some desperately needed respite to news in Zimbabwe.

"Things aren't that good. I take any opportunity I can to raise our country's flag really high and get some shining positive light on things over there," added Coventry.

“I know how much it does for people back home."

Coventry, who has always shied away from discussing politics said, "Everyone there (Zimbabwe) including President Mugabe knows something needs to change because so many people are hurting."

"I hope that does happen. I know that's part of why I'm doing what I do. I hope it makes a difference and gives people back home hope that things will change for the better.

"People have to remain positive and believe in those dreams. It's really important."

In 2002 Coventry took up a scholarship at Auburn University, which has produced some of the best swimming teams in America.

In 2004 at the Athens Games, Coventry won three -- gold, silver and bronze – medals and was treated to a red carpet at Harare airport with African drums while thousands of

Zimbabweans danced and sang.

Coventry was given $50,000 "pocket money" and a diplomatic passport at a party held by President Mugabe.


[Report based on a Reuters article]