Manchester United’s 2-1 win yesterday against Arsenal made up for Gold medallist Kirsty Coventry’s 5th place finish in the 50m Backstroke.
The Zimbabwean, who managed to break 3 World Records and heads home with four gold medals and a bronze, was pleased to experience English ‘soccer’ live for the first time. “It was exciting...there was a really great atmosphere.”
Since arriving in Manchester the Olympic Gold Medallist has been eager to go and watch Manchester United play but wasn’t sure if her race schedule would allow it. After learning that she could squeeze it into her schedule, Evodental - the UK based dental specialists – offered Coventry two tickets to join them in their Super Suite at Old Trafford for the sell-out match.
Whilst there, she learned that it wasn’t just swimming fans that are passionate about their sport, “the [football] fans really get behind their team and give them loads of support – they’re so loud!”
Unfortunately Kirsty had to leave before the final whistle was blown in order to get back to the M.E.N. Arena to collect the coveted FINA trophy, an award presented to the highest point scoring male and female during the Championships. Ryan Lochte picked up the male award.
In fact the 50m Backstroke was the only race in the entire championships in which Coventry competed but didn’t win a medal in; a devoted red might think she opted to duck out of the medal ceremony to ensure she caught the start of the football game!
When this was mentioned to Kirsty, she laughed and pointed out that her finish time of 26.85 was far better than her previous personal best and she’s very happy with that!
Coventry is now heading back to her American base to continue preparations for the Olympics, and hopes to build on the success that she has experienced in Manchester, “I hope I can go to Beijing and keep the ball rolling.”
