OLYMPIC champion swimmer Kirsty Coventry has announced she is moving back to her former coach in the United States as she prepares for the London Games next year.
The Zimbabwean, who has been based in South Africa for the last three years, had previously hinted she would be hosted by the Royal Couple of Monaco in the months leading up to the 2012 Olympics.
But the 29-year-old announced on Twitter she was returning to Texas, her previous base.
“Moving back to my coach Kim Brackin in the US, because I trust her 100 percent and I know she has my back!,” Coventry said.
She added in two other tweets: “I'll be leaving Africa for Texas on 7th February. My base will be Austin and training with the girls at the University of Texas. Yeehaah!
“Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement over my decision to move back to the US. You're all awesome!”
Among those backing Coventry’s move was Sports Minister David Coltart, who also used his Twitter account to wish her well.
“Here's all of us wishing Kirsty Coventry well as she moves to the US to complete her preparations for 2012 Olympics. Famba zvakanaka (Go well) Kirsty,” the minister said.
Brackin was at the helm of the bulk of Coventry's top successes, including two Olympic gold medals in the 200 backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. Coventry also has four silvers to her credit, and a bronze.
In long course world championship competition, she also won three world titles and placed runner-up five other times.
"I'm thrilled to have her back at Texas," Brackin told Swimming World. "She raises the bar for everyone and brings a level of experience that my team will benefit from being around.
“I'm excited to challenge her and help her prepare to race at her best in London. Besides being a great athlete, she is just someone I enjoy being around every day.
The London Olympics get underway on July 26, running through to August 12, 2012.