Olympics-You can't choose who congratulates you, IOC says after Putin's best wishes

FILE PHOTO: Olympics - 144th IOC Session - Costa Navarino, Pylos, Greece - March 20, 2025 Kirsty Coventry during the press conference after she was elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki/File Photo

PYLOS, Greece (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee on Friday declined to comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin's congratulatory note to newly-elected IOC president Kirsty Coventry, saying it was his prerogative.

Putin was among the first to congratulate Zimbabwe's Coventry following her election victory on Thursday, saying her "unique experience" would ensure the movement's advancement.