The double Olympic gold medallist claimed the role at her national governing body as Admire Masenda won his fourth term as President in Harare.

She received 38 of the 42 votes cast to replace Sibusisiwe Chindove who did not seek another term.

The 33-year-old has served as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission member since 2012 and is a Foundation Board member of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

In addition, she is a vice-president of the International Surfing Association.

"When it comes to administration what I value most is simple: integrity, good governance, sustainability and team work," she told ZimEye. 

Thabani Gonye was also elected as vice president after failing to unseat Masenda in the top job.

Charles Mukaronda also unsuccessfully challenged Masenda.

Coventry can claim to be Zimbabwe's greatest-ever athlete.

Of the eight Olympic medals won by the country since they made their debut at Moscow in 1980, she has won seven of them.

Apart from her two gold medals, she has also won four silver and a bronze. 

The only other medal was gold for the women's hockey team at the boycotted Moscow 1980 Games.