“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Nelson Mandela.
PERHAPS for Kirsty, swimming was just part of her hobbies, but now she is arguably one of the most powerful women in Zimbabwe, albeit in her own way.
Most of the times when we talk about power we always think about the ability to control, yet one can be powerful by the way that person manages to influence the behaviour of other people.
As if we did not name enough babies after Kirsty in Zimbabwe, one only needs to look at the jubilation expressed when people converged at the Harare Airport to welcome their heroine. None of those who named their babies after her name, or those who went to welcome her at the airport was induced to do so. They did it at their own will. That is what I call absolute power and she knows it.
“Everyone at home is so supportive. People recognize me; say how proud they are of me. It's awesome to hear, it's amazing to know I can touch so many people in a positive way," she said.
As with all Zimbabwean athletes competing at the Olympics, I watched Kristy’s triumphant victory live on TV and I must confess I did the “Tom Cruise” jump with joy.
It was even more emotional watching her standing in that podium holding a bouquet of flowers as the national anthem was played.
Indeed Kirsty is touching people’s hearts in a different and very effective way. Like all Zimbabweans, she definitely has opinions about the politics of her country, but what is amazing about this woman is her ability to resist badmouthing about her home country. She has chosen not to talk, but to act and make her statement to Zimbabwe and the world at large.
It would be surprising to know there is a Zimbabwean across the political divide who is not impressed by Kristy’s achievements and personality.
Kristy’s achievements could not have come at a better time for Zimbabwe, a young white Zimbabwean raising the flag high, just when our young cricket team survived being elbowed out of the ICC.
Besides inspiring other young Zimbabweans to match her achievements, Kirsty symbolizes a Zimbabwe that we all dream of, that which we should all safeguard with jealousy in good and bad times.
There are some people in the western world who genuinely believe that Zimbabwe is no-go area for White people and there are others who have also been made to believe that all White people are bad.
It has been very difficult to convince either of them that it is not always the case.
Personally, I’m yet to come across a passionate, dedicated and effective manager like my former high school headmaster, Mr. Dry. His dedication to inspire academic and sports excellence was unmatchable at a school where the majority of students were Black.
Some students found Mr. Dry a bit too heavy-handed, but I personally admired his leadership skills. He was of the belief that if you did not participate in sport, then you must nevertheless attend and cheer up your athletes. There was even a “roll-call” to monitor attendance during home matches!
It may have been sour grapes for those who hated sports, but for the competitors it went a long way in boosting moral. Overall, it was a good team-building exercise, unifying all students through sport despite their cultural differences. He did not just instruct others to do things, he led by example.
Our netball team had qualified for the prestigious Mashonaland Central trophy that was held at Belvedere Teachers’ College. As you may have guessed, yours truly was part of that team, not by chance. I had played in the school Netball Team from Grade 5, bagging Netball of Year Award during my final year. Those familiar with netball may want to know which position I played – well it had to be GA (Goal Attack), I wasn’t too bad at chasing the wind and I was precise at throwing the ball into the ring.
Among the cheering team was my beloved headmaster, Mr. Dry. Such was his dedication to sports excellence and making a difference that he personally acted the same way he wished to see all of us emulate.
It is also fair to say during the 80’s when Mr. Dry was heading Lord Malvern School, the school produced notable sportspersons and Radio and TV personalities, the likes of Ernest Chirambadare (football), Patrick Mabugu and Temba Mliswa (rugby) Tichafa “Tich Mataz” Matambanadzo and many others.
He also believed that every student was different. The fact that someone was challenged academically did not mean that person could not excel in other fields.
He encouraged students to showcase their skills through events like fashion shows, modeling, etc.
It may well be that Mr. Dry was just doing his job – but his legacy lives on and will remain an inspiration to someone like me.
I hope the world and Zimbabweans in particular will desist from the habit of stereotyping and judge every individual on merit.
The problem we face particularly as Zimbabweans is that we want to dwell on negativity, on someone else’s weaknesses, yet all of us in our own little ways, can help change these perceptions by our own actions not by words.
In the midst of Zimbabwe’s ‘darkest hour’, when the nation is mired in utter confusion, Kirsty is providing that shining light, defying all odds.
We must confer her with an Honorary Degree and perhaps launch a Kirsty Coventry Swimming Academy.
“Be the change you want to see”, Mahatma Gandhi.
