HARARE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's swimming icon Kirsty Coventry has been named as the Female African Swimmer of the Year for 2009.

    The sprightly 26-year-old swimmer was recently bestowed with the award by the well-respected American-based swimming magazine, Swimming World Magazine, in its December issue.

    According to reports by The Herald on Saturday, the Female African Swimmer of the Year award might as well be renamed in honor of Coventry since she has won the award five times since its inception six years ago.