*Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe gave out $148,000 to the nation's Olympic athletes, with $100,000 alone having gone to world record-holding swimmer Kirsty Coventry.
The government-controlled Herald newspaper reported that Mugabe announced the awards during a brief ceremony held Friday. He referred to Coventry as Zimbabwe's "golden girl" before handing her $100,000.
While many Zimbabweans are unable to afford food and other basics, members of the country's 13-member Olympic squad each received thousands of dollars from the president. In addition to Coventry's 100 grand, three on the team received $10,000 each while the remaining athletes pocketed $2,000.
Coventry, who won three silvers and a gold at the Beijing games, showed off her medals during a parade through Harare earlier this week.