Kirsty Coventry

"I take any opportunity I can to raise our country's flag really high and get some shining positive light on things over there."

"People have to remain positive and believe in those dreams."

"“Everyone at home is so supportive. People recognise 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.”"

"“in athletics, older runners tend to go for longer races, but it's the opposite in swimming because your body can't handle the endurance.”"

"“is much harder to retain your position at the top than to get to the top.”"

"“There are younger, stronger swimmers coming up and they are hungry. I can't influence what they do, I only know what I can do and I know how greedy I am to defend my title.”"

"“I have always stayed out of politics, I don't believe it would be appropriate to talk about it.”"

"“Everyone there including President Mugabe knows something needs to change because so many people are hurting.”"

"Swimming just really became a safe haven for me"

"I did fine at school, but I was never an A student. But in the pool I was able to really find who I was"

"I told my parents, ‘I just want to go to the Olympic Games one day and win Zimbabwe a gold medal"

"Standing on the podium was quite surreal"

"To be standing there and thinking about when I was 9 years old and now nearly 21, I had finally achieved my goal and my dream"

"It was incredible seeing how powerful sport can be to break down barriers and bring people together"

"Going to Auburn played a huge role in my life in giving me a platform"

"My teammates became friends and family for life"

"Like everyone interested in peace for the region, we follow the current diplomatic developments very closely and hope that they can soon lead to a pathway to peace. Our deepest sympathy continues to go out to all those affected by this conflict, and we naturally stand in solidarity with the Olympic community in the region"

"With so many wars and conflicts affecting millions of innocent people all around the world, sport has the ability to bring the whole world together in peaceful competition"

"The Olympic Games showcase the best of humanity (...) I want to ensure the Games remain relevant and a space of inspiration, especially in a very divided world"

"Italy is known for its landscapes, right, the beautiful landscapes, the family feel, the passion that Italians have for sport. They’re ready to put on a show. It’s going to be a beautiful show"

"Studies show that every dollar invested in sport and physical activity can deliver a fourfold return in health and economic benefits — from lower healthcare costs to longer, healthier lives. In other words, investing in sport is a long-term investment in stronger, more resilient communities"

"Every step, every game, every movement saves lives — and saves money. Physical inactivity already costs healthcare systems an estimated 27 billion dollars every year to treat preventable diseases"

"Together with the Spotlight Initiative, we will expand the contribution of sport to ending violence against women and girls through joint advocacy, training and direct support to community programmes. To truly make a difference, we need strong partnerships, political will and continued investment, because we know that investing in sport works"

"We’ve had a wonderful tour this morning, earlier at what will be the home of ice hockey at the Games, where it was wonderful to see the fast pace and progress of work"

"This is what Italy is known for, blending history, culture and passion"

"This venue is going to be beautiful, and in a few months’ time will be welcoming athletes from all around the world. And you must be proud because it really is a stunning Village. We’re truly grateful to have been here and are now looking forward to walking back in, in a few months, seeing all the countries’ flags out of the windows"

"The most successful African Olympian in history!"