Your shouts in praise of Kirsty!

Your shouts in praise of Kirsty!

DUNNIT!: Kirsty celebrates after her triumph

• Kirsty's Olympics glory unites nation

• Mugabe leads tributes for Kirsty

• Zimbabwe heroine Coventry wins Olympic gold

• Heroine Coventry clinches second medal for Zim

• Coventry wins Olympic silver

• Cara Black basks in Wimbledon glory

By Sports Reporter

WE asked our readers what they thought would be the most fitting honour for Kirsty after her dazzling Olympics performance where she scooped broze, silver and a gold medal.....and most of you said she should be given a FARM! The irony was not lost, scores of white commercial farmers have been displaced by President Robert Mugabe under a controversial land resettlement scheme.

Below are some of your comments which New Zimbabwe.com will be forwarding to Kirsty:

"Make her minister of sports or simply give her a farm," Michael Chirawu, Nottingham, UK

"Kirsty, you have done our country proud!!! The only way to honour this young, patriotic lady is by naming a Swimming Academy after her. Keep the spirit," Tivy, Harare

"Let them show by action that they are really proud of her. I believe the farms are still there if they are not greedy!! Thanks to Kirsty," McDee, Cape Town

"That was awesome, now run for the President of Zimbabwe and see how much we love you.You can rewrite another piece of History gal," Munya Maumbe, Lansing, MI, USA

"First I am so proud to be Zimbabwean at this moment after Kirsty's triumph at the Olympics. That girl is a treasure and of course a blessing to us Zimbabweans, who are continuously regarded in bad light these days," Proud Zimuto

"Bob we need people who are capable of producing results like KIRSTY not War Vets who destroy with the help of your ministers, e.g Moyo, Chigwedere," Thomas Dube

"Name a street after her in Harare and Bulawayo," Nkosana Mkandla, Michigan, USA

What will be the most fitting honour Zimbabwe can give to Coventry? Send your comments to ozzie@newzimbabwe.com (Please state your full name and where you are writing from)

"Like any other Zimbabwean she is "proud " to be Zimbabwean. Only misguided few think of farms and other material earthly things. If she is Zimbabwean she will soon be blessed in a different way like being invited to play in the first Zimbabwean film or any other befiting positions. She is not a farmer, she is an athlete. She can be given freedom to all swimming pools thats befitting of her medal. You have done us great honour! You are a champion. You are blessed!," Eunice

"I am so moved and happy because of Kirsty's achievement and the way she has proudly represented Zimbabwe despite the challenges the country is currently going through. I believe that she is was not representing politics but true patriotism, so please lets not spoil this glorious moment for anybody who is Zimbabwean at heart, whether at home or abroad by insisting on mentioning the names and activities of persons raping and killing the country. Thank you Kirsty this moment is yours and Congratulations girl," Florence Msipa, UK

"Munda kuna Kirsty," Selina Ruguva

"I believe there is no better way of honouring Kirsty than for the stubborn government to acknowledge that white or black, Zimbabweans have a lot to learn from each other. I am talking of uncle Bob calling for a press conference and maybe even invite the BBC and CNN and declare an end of hostilities against the minority whites. Just as we (the black majority) had a lot to learn from the white farmers if we had distributed the properly, there is also a lot to learn from such rare talent like Kirsty. However, as we all know our leaders, it’s just a matter of time before Kirsty is labelled another rebel, mark my words. Just take a look at the ongoing cricket saga. These guys who are today calling the players all sorts of names are the very same guys who were once singing and dancing on the cricket team’s success during the good days. This is why I don’t think giving her a farm will work. It will be just a matter of time before they violently take it back. I doubt very much that Kirsty will even be for that idea. Well done girl," Walter P, Auckland, New Zealand

"Riyavhonga mudzimu. Nahasi navhorine rivhathu ngazoitiwa ngaKirsty. Ndinne dukaduka lajakuvhosi malila malimandonga mkhwebu," Tribe, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK

"Why not reward Kirsty for her three Olympic medals by giving her a farm?," Stefan Dyk, British Columbia, Canada

"Well done Kirsty.That's a talent that God gave you and i trully appreciate what you did for yourself and secondly to the nation. Zimbabwe shines today because you polished. Nevertheles, swimming is a professional sport that should never be taken or abused by meagre sensed individuals posing on a political forum. WELL DONE Kirsty," Kudzanai K, Texas, USA

"You are our Zimbabwean gem Kirsty.The best honour for you and the people of Zimbabwe would be for the Mugabe regime to withdraw the two draconian legislations infringing on the operations of the press so that the Daily News can write true facts about your performance at the Olympics and one on NGOs so that you can assist one charitable organization with your well deserved foreign currency," Geoffrey Ndibali, Montreal, Canada

"Land," Fortunate Bango

"Mugabe should just shut up because he has nothing to cheer about! Coventry's victory is for Zimbabwe and as far as l know, Mugabe does not like Zimbabwe. To honour this gallant daughter of Zimbabwe, all roads named after Robert Mugabe should be changed to Kirsty Coventry....how about that?," Costa Mavhima, Bulawayo

"Good job girl. Let's name the Chitungwiza Swimming pool after her. Apa ndopanorohwa maoka. Keep the flag flying," Isaac Nyamanza, USA

"I am happy and ashamed at the same time coz one day we are castigating the white person and the next day we applaud as the same white person does us proud"

Ken Ruwona, Mt Pleasant, Harare

"I watched the heroica of Kirsty Coventry from start to finish and I must say that I was greatly moved. The most fitting honour for Kirsty, I got it right, is for her country to turn around again, that is: for Mugabe to recognize the wishes of the people and free them from bondage. As a black Zimbabwean living abroad, at times I must admit, have almost renounced my Zimbabwean citizenship in embarassment, but after seeing Kirsty, I am happy again to be Zimbambwean. I therefore appeal to Mugabe to issue Kirsty with a diplomatic passport and give back her parents' farm," Canaan Ncube, Italy

"She deserves to be put in the sports hall of fame," JS

"True Zimbabwean spirit showing no colour.....Good for you and Nation. Give her a farm in Mazoe," Mbiri Cardozo, Harare

"I think two farms and a new public swimming pool named in her honour would be a fitting tribute. She chose to represent Zimbabwe when she could have easily moved to any other country like most Kenyans and Ethiopians on feeble grounds of not being supported at home," The Chatimbas, UK

"Hope sees the invincible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible, well done girl. At least we all felt like Zimbabweans for the first time in years," Raymond Chari

"Ini ndiri pano paNewZealand ndinoti mwanasikana uyu ngaapuhwe PURAZI risina intafiyerensi from ovets," Criss Zimuto, New Zealand

"Coventry ngaapuwe munda," L Mangwanda, UK

"Can somebody please help me answer these questions: a) So a white Zimbabwean is only accepted as Zimbabwean when he/she excels in sport, or does something extra ordinary?
b) So there really exist WHITE Zimbabweans? I have heard a lot of talk from our beloved politicians saying that there were no white Zimbabweans, the reason why white Zimbabwean farmers have been and are still being chased away. I will be grateful if I could receive an answer to these questions," Albert Zamu
Maputo, Mozambique

"Here back home we are very proud of you Kirsty. She should get the freedom of the two cities , street named after her or even kutomurongera the KIRSTY GALA .Everywhere here at our usual social places naya yegold yanetsa vanhu vari kufara," B.M , Zimbabwe

"In moments like this when all seems to be dark, we need heroes to rise. Rise Kirsty rise, and keep on rising like a star that you are. What a conqueror you are. What a conqueror. Zimbabwe honours you child. No honour in Zimbabwe is fitting for this warrrior princess. We are forever greatful," Edson Mukundwi, Sheffield, England

"Let me join every other Zimbabwean in congratulating you, girl. We all watched with our hearts and prayers with you. Every stride you made was cheered as though we were right by the pool side and you could hear our shouts. At the end of the day you have chosen to ignore the troubles in our land and done what you do best. You displayed a maturity beyond your age against opponents with the facilities and stability in their nations that you know are non-existent back home. I think it is not for people to say who has the right to praise you or what you should get in return but it is up to you to say why you did it, how you did it, what you want in exchange or who you dedicate it to. I know now that whatever you say about all this will be said with the wisdom and maturity far beyond your age. If ever there was a selfless person in our country, you have outshone them. My shining star," Ashley Millin, UNITED KINGDOM

"I am happy and ashamed at the same time coz one day we are castigating the white person and the next day we applaud as the same white person does us proud as a nation.as an apology and vote of thanks to her the least we can do for her is to redistribute land to her-it`s the least we can do,and give back herparents` farm to them too!!!!land is all we have," Ken Ruwona, Mt Pleasant, Harare

"You go girl !!! Kirsty Conventry you have made us so proud and you have shown people that zimbabwe is for all races. Streets or buldings should be named after you girl because you deserve it. Thanks," Ruth Tedd and family, UK

"If we all stop criticising each other for a moment, we will or should realise that there is not a single Zimbawean who is not proud of Kirsty. For the first time since haven knows when, we all agree on something. And maybe we should take a leaf from her book. Because inspite of all the problems, be they racial, political or what ever one chooses to brand them, with her talent and skill she could have changed her citizenship because I'm sure even from past performances in for example the Commonwealth Games plenty of western nations were and are willing to snatch her up, but no!!!!!!!! she's chosen to represent her beloved Zimbabwe. How many us can proudly stand up and say we are Zimbabwean today especially those of us in the UK????Very few. So Kirsty has not only excelled as a sports person but she is one of the few true Zimbabweans left, an endangered species or a Pangolin remember how we used to celebrate when one was found wondering around. Give her a Diplomatic Passport, name the Aquatic complex after her and if she wants put her in charge of sports! Well done Kirsty!!!," Talent N, UK

"Congratulations Coventry you made us proud .You are special.May GOD BLESS YOU.Thank you," Oladayo Akinniyi

"Well done young lady you have something wonderful. Zvinonyadzisa Mugabe kusimudzirwa flag ne murungu waarikudzinga. KIRSTY YOU MUST GET A FARM," M Cheuka, London, UK

"A1, A2 and A3 (not the writing pads) but farms, by the way is there A4!?," Cloudios Takawira, UK

"I was filled with partriotism to see one of our country girls against all odds do us proud . The biased commentator qoute "Zimbabwe my goodness of all the countries -swimming pool!" the implication was we do not have swimming pools for practice - what of the gold on the Queen`s crown ? Give her Kintyre farm," Fellex Maurayi, Liberton, Edinburgh, Scotland

"Well done girl. Let us unite and call the the swimming pool in Chitungwiza Kirsty Coventry swimming Pool," Shane White, New Zealand

"A perfect example of a competent and patriotic Zimbabwean.We got so many of such Zimbabweans, even in Agriculture Mr President," Gorejena C Kupenya, UK

What will be the most fitting honour Zimbabwe can give to Coventry? Send your comments to ozzie@newzimbabwe.com (Please state your full name and where you are writing from)

"Kirsty, we are all proud of you. You go girl! I salute you with all humility. God bless you, and keep your inner spirit motivated the way you are from the outside! You have made every Zimbabwean proud, black or white. Be blessed, and it is a joy to send you my congratulatory message Kristy! You are positive, you are a jewel, and I admire your talent! Keep up the good work. You have shown that the Woman of Zimbabwe can do it, the daughter of Zimbabwe can do it, and the Child of God can do it, whether born in the North Pole or South Pole. Kristy, good job. You make all of us want to come back home today, not tomorrow! We love you Kristy, and congratulations to your dad, and congratulations to your mum, congratulations to your sisters and brothers, congratulations to your coach, congratulations to your religious leader, and hey, congratualtions to ALL Zimbabweans. ngazana/chimhandara/senorita Kristy/madame' Kristy/girl friend "We Love You, We Love You!" Congratulations to thy dearself Kristie. Tatenda/Thanks," Mercy Tsiwo-Chigubu in Georgia, USA

"Give her a farm," Edward Dembezeko

"The young girl deserves a farm to herself and family. This is the only other tool that Mugabe can use to prove that he is not the racist we see him to be. I know of no better way to thank her," Mduduzi KaTauzen Gumbo, Alberta

"LAND -PURAZI," - Simba Masara

"Redistribute land for Coventry," Wilberforce Majaji

"She deserves to be given the freedom of the city of Harare and the road to the National Sports Stadium should be named after her. Chitungwiza Aquatic Centre should also be named after her. Mugabe must not get milage out of her achievement. Well done Coventry," Takudzwa Mutepfa

"Kirsty we love You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, we have been hearing about the golden girls of Hockey at the year which i was Born 1980, but now we will be talking about a Golden Girl 24 years after those girls. All I can say to Kirsty is 'girl you have done us PROUD regardless of what we are facing today, you are aware of what Imean. We have got somthing to smile aboout. KIRSTY, KIRSTY, YOU HAVE HAVE DONE PROUD NDINODA KUSHAMULA NEWE POSE PAURI!!!!!!!!!," Gift Savieri

"Give her the freedom of the cities of Harare and Bulawayo. Or have street names on her behalf in these two cities," Godwill Mangayi

"Hi Kirsty, well done gorgeous we all love you as a people and a nation. You are a pure hero and a warrior. Tears of joy ran down my cheeks when i watched you clinch that medal..oh what a talent..Zimbabwe loves you and will always do.," Madzibaba Tyrage, Canterbury UK

"Well done girlfriend . May the good Lord bless you," Sharon Mukombwe

"You made us proud girl, go Zim go!!. from all of us here in Canada. Lowly rated Zim, is for awhile ahead of Canada in medals collection. Thank you Zim girl. Hey, we still on the map," Stanley Chivizhe

"I hope her parents havana kutorerwa farm. Nick Price once did this only to find back home his farm had been taken away.Otherwise well done girl," Njuma, USA

"Well done little girl. Zvinonyadzisa seyi Bob kusimudzirwa mureza ne murungu waari kudzinga munyika," Tsitsi, UK

"Well God has shown to Mugabe that the promotion of the country does not lie in the black skin. Sure murungu osimudza here mureza. I think she deserves a place in the Ministry of Sport, she deserves to be the ambassador for sport," Denford Muzanenhamo, CANADA

"Kirsty has done the nation proud and she deserves all the praise she is getting and this feat has fittingly come after 24yrs this is the best thing that has happened to Zim ever since 1980 and i think she deserves a special medal or token of honour to be presented to her on behalf of the whole country and even a diplomatic passport like Mutola has recieved from her country.whatever she gets this is a true HEROINE in every sense of the word.Well done kirsty thank-you and we love you" Ernest Jackson, HARARE

"Mugabe and Made should Give her Munda wekurima with farm inputs(SEED, Fertilizers, Tractors etc plus a hefty loan from The Land Bank (Agribank) (interest
free) also Mugabe should remove one guy from the list for an honorary doctorate from the University of Zimbabwe and give it to Kirsty (immediately). Well done Kirsty, you did our country proud," Taurai M. Mutanda, South Africa

"I think Zimbabwe MUST do the following for our dear Kirsty Coventry: Give her a handsome amount in $ US, Re-name the Aquatic complex in Chitungwiza after her, Undertake to foot the bill for ALL of her study and boarding expenses wherever she may be. Well done girl," Chenjerai Mutumbi, Hungary

"Kirsty should be treated like any other Zimbabwean and as such no special treatment should be prefered to her.She has shown patriotism in her national duty and will always be remembered for her excellent contribution.Zimbabwe inyika yemunhu wese ane mvumo yekugaramo muchena kana mupfumbu naizvozvo uyu mwana igamba redu mukutuwina," Andrew Koundo, Botswana

"Whats the highest possible honour zimbawe has to offer ?? I guess if she was British then she will be a dame . Well done Kirsty, you are such a star," Desmond Maruziva, UK

"No doubt about it, she deserves honor, praise and support for such a sterling job. We are a proud nation because of her stunning heroics, what more can you ask for! Come on Zimbabwe lets be real!! All 3 medals Zimbabwe has so far are from her alone, come on Zimbabwe give praise were its due!! Name some streets in Harare and Bulawayo in her honor, and give her the freedom of these cities, and most importantly if Mugabe and Zimbabweans are real -GIVE HER A FARM!!," Sherlock Sipho Mafu, North Carolina, USA

"Well.............the girl has done us proud....she is the greatest.........the best gift we can give her is a farm.........mupei minda miviri............one for farming and another wokuzadza nemaswimming pool chete chete ........swimming academy ka!!!!!!!!!!," Murehwa Mangere

"Kirsty deserves to be awarded the keys to the city of Harare and the city of Bulawayo. She has won the right to be free in all of Zimbabwe and there is no better way to show our appreciation than to give her freedom in our major cities. Naming a couple of streets and major buildings after her wouldn't hurt. Of cause establishing an Olympic drive to get lots of Zimbabweans to future Olympics with her as the major driver would be very noble. What an amazing achievement for her and the country. Congtratulations!!!," Cato D

Amhlophe ntombi emhlophe. You are a true star and a pillar of strength kithi sonke abosendo lwe ZIMBABWE. Uliqhawekazi njalo uyisibonelo kubontanga.
WENZE OKWEHLULA ABANENGI," Oka Siziba, UK

"I wish to suggest that Kirsty Coventry be given a Benz Kompressor in honour of her clinching 3 medals at the Olympics.her performance just deserves it. Pleased," Tongai Chagwenha

"She deserves to lead the nation in sports.... POWERFULL!!!!!!!!," Bernard Chiduku, Botswana

"I am a Zimbabwean living abroad and was really touched by the performance of this sensational girl Kirsty Coventry. I am rather buffled by Mugabe's comments that she is a real ambassador for the country given his skewed belief that whites are not Zimbabweans. The most fitting gift for Kirsty Coventry is the kicking out of Robert Mugabe and his geriatricks and chalatans from office in the next elections, so that Kirsty and all other sportspersons compete in such tournaments in honour," Black Zimbabwean

"I'm proud to be Zimbabwean,thanks Kristy u put Zimbabwe in the spotlight for something good for a change! woo! what a feat! we r truly proud of u,u should get a farm for that surely,where you can come and unwind whenever you go to Zim," Masimba Murisa, Toronto

"Iyi ndiyo spirit ye Zimbabwe. We are fighters whether we are black or white . My tears are nearly dropping because of the love I have for you Kirsty. This girl MUST be given a farm , Ivhu chairo.Congratulations, She deserves it," Exaviour Samuriwo, Sydney, Australia

"Usiphakamisile dadewethu. Siyabonga kakhulu. Sonke siyaziqhenya ngawe. Ingathi iNkosi ingakubusisa okuphindwe kanenginengi. Well we should give her Inhlonipho lamasimu," Fundisani Mangena

"Well done mwana wevhu.You are white and still proud to be Zimbabwean and in fact you have made all the Zimbabweans proud.Thanks a lot, dedicate your GOLD MEDAL to Mugabe and tell him to bring peace into the country," Bob C Bingepinge, Montreal, Canada

"I am surprised that the government is so happy that this white girl has done our country proud whilst at the same time the ruling party is in the process of chasing away whites and closing down private schools saying that they symbolize colonialism. Why play double standards ? Coventry is a product of the Dominican Convent. I wonder why we dont have the patriotic products form the Border Gezi training institute competing in Athens. Food for thought," Chenharo Masimba Dehwa, WASHINGTON-USA

"VaChigwedere mainyarira pai kudai makaenda. VaMugabe hamusi kunyara here kuona Zimbabwe ichisimudzirwa mureza nehama yaTony Blair....ko Jonathan Moyo......zvakaoma...Kirsty you are a star...well well done.. Chipi, Pittsburgh, USA

"Well done a patriot zimbabwean with a true and heroic heart of Zimbabwe at heart. Our hearts are with you in this moment of joy and pride," Ryan Mutsvene

"Well Kirsty, you have shown the President that Zimbabwe is full of talent. Hope the President won't meddle with the swimming team like what they did with cricket," Arfan Salim

"The young girl must get a farm. Designate one from Aka Prof Mafikizolo Nyamhanza and resistribute to the young girl," Rodger Muza

"Change chitungwiza aquatic centre,name it to kirsty coventry aquatic centre," Robert Martin, Mufakose

"Munda ku mhandara anoshandika naye. Ngaachishanda naVaChigwedere mukusimudzira sport munyika," Martin Dube

"I think this is an eye opener to you all that it is wrong chasing our born and
bred lovely white Zimbabweans from our country, be they racist or not we still love them because in this world there is no place where racism does not exist but we all have to maintain love and at the end we all will get there. If Coventry was racist she wouldnt have represented Zimbabwe but she is a daughter of the soil that's
why she is ours. Bob you better change your way of doing things. We love you
Kirsty putting us on the mark and we will give your name to Chitungiza Aquatic Center for sure," Nhopiyataidza, Canada

"You go girl, congratulations. You have given us memories to wash away our miseries and sorrows and have hope in life. Thank you," Thabiso Gama, Toronto, Canada

"Well done Kirsty for not only winning those medals but for having the courage to represent your country espeacially during this very diificult time of political tension. The last gold medal was won 1980 when Mugabe came into power and now 24 years later Kirsty has won another one as Mugabe is about to leave, how ironic," Fadziso Maenzanise, UK

"Well done Kirsty we are really proud of you, you must get a farm from Mugabe, keep it up," Tadiwa Cheuka, London, UK

"GIVE HER A FARM INSTEAD OF GIVING THE OLD MADALAZ. MUNDA NDIZVO," CJ

"How else could you award her? My familly came up with the farm idea when she grabbed the second medal. So that is what she should get. If her parents had a farm of theirs seized it should be returned without fail," Thoko, Bolton, England

"Makorokoto.You go Girl,You made us proud to be zimbabweans.
VaMugabe you must: Give mwana uyu a red carpet welcome upon her return home.(hero's welcome ine madzimai enyu emusangano), rename the Chitungwiza swimming complex in her honour, rename a few streets after her, give her a farm (PURAZI) rake risina ma war vets. Hamunyare kusimudzirwa mureza wenyika nemurungu wamurikudzinga muniyika," J Ndlovu, Ohio, USA

"WELL DONE KIRSTY !!!!!!!!!!! WANYADZISA BOB. MUGABE GIVE HER A DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT, SHE IS A TRUE AMBASSADOR KWETE ZVAANA CHINAMASA. THANKS AGAIN WELL DONE," Shapilo Chid, UK

"Let us stand up to the champion. Komwana waani iyeye? Whose daughter is she? Uyu ngatimupei Zim 1," Method Matete, Africa University
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ozzie@newzimbabwe.com