Coventre’s work has been mixed with politics for years.
In 2008, he received the $100,000 award from Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe, who was awarded him in a bag – for winning four medals in Beijing.
The gift was at a time when there was a lot of food and inflation, and the swimmer said he would give some of the money to charity. In later years, Mugabe was determined in power by violent suppression of his political opponents and the economic destruction of Zimbabwe.
Although Koventre spoke about the need to change Zimbabwe, as an athlete tried to avoid pulling politics. In 2018, however, he became Crown Prince Mugabe, the controversial president of Emerson Manangua, known as the ‘social’ because of political ruthlessness and deception.
Menangagwa – who congratulated Koventre, external – It is related to some of the worst beasts that have been under the rule since the 1980s.
Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on Manangua and other senior officials for corruption and human rights violations.
Coventre has also faced criticism for his recording as a sports minister. In 2020, Zimbabwe’s stadiums were banned by African Football Confederation (CAF) to host all international matches for non-standard facilities. And in 2022, during the Coventre presidency, FIFA banned Zimbabwe’s World Cup in international matches for government interference in the game. He has also been criticized for the country’s sports infrastructure situation.
Coventre’s close ties to Mannangagua forced him to question his suitability to lead the iOC, but last month he defended his role when he interviewed the BBC Sport.
“I don’t really think you can make changes if you don’t have a seat on the table,” he said.
“This wasn’t the easiest thing, but I had an incredible support and we make a difference. They had to travel to very sensitive issues.