Doin' Employee Recognition, Crazy Dictator Style

So you win an Olympic Gold in Beijing. Some Olympic Silvers (3) as well. Your moment on the podium. Where do you go then? Orlando for a romp at Disney World? Not. London with the Olympic Committee like Michael Phelps? Nope. You go back home to Zimbabwe for a meeting with President/Dictator Robert Mugabe.

Swimmer Kirsty Coventry, based in the United States, but representing Zimbabwe in the Beijing Olympics broke a world record to win gold in the women's 200 meters backstroke. She also captured three silver medals in the 2008 Olympics.

Her medal haul in Beijing adds to the three gold, silver and bronze medals she won in Athens in 2004.

When she returned to Zimbabwe in 2004, President Robert Mugabe rewarded with a gift of $50, 000 USD in “pocket money”. She was also presented with a diplomatic passport.

What did she get in 2008? $100,000 USD was handed to Coventry by Mugabe yesterday at a celebration ceremony. The cash was carried in a briefcase by Zimbabwe's central bank governor.

"Our national spirit must exude joy and pleasure and say you have done well, daughter of Zimbabwe. We are proud of you, we wish you well. She's our golden girl ... take care of her," Mugabe said at the ceremony.

Other members of Zimbabwe's Olympic team received between $2,000 and $10,000 each.