Four Olympians Welcomed as IOC Members

The election and swearing in of four athletes elected by their peers to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission has taken place today.

Elected during the 2012 Olympic Games in London, ed Danka Bartekova from Slovenia (shooting), James Tomkins from Australia (rowing), Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry (aquatics) and Tony Estanguet from France (canoe-kayak) were added as IOC members to increase the total to 104.

Bartekova said she wanted to ‘work for the IOC and represent the athletes within the Olympic Movement.’

The bronze medallist in 2012 added: “I am very honoured to have a chance to represent them and bring my experiences from my sports career into the work of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the IOC and sharing the Olympic values with athletes all over the world.”

Tomkins struck gold in the 1992, 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games and competed in his last Olympics at Beijing 2008.

“I am very proud and honoured to become a member of the IOC.

“Personally having been involved in six Olympics and seen the improvements made over all those Games, I want to ensure that those improvements continue for all athletes.”

In the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, Coventry achieved gold in the 200m backstroke and she is a consultant for the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.

IOC keeps athletes alive

On being elected into the IOC, Coventry said: “The voice and needs of the athletes are the heart of this organisation, and are what keeps us alive.

“I am thankful to the Olympians of 2012 for electing me to represent all athletes within the IOC, and I look forward to working hard to ensure their voices are always heard.”

Estanguet picked up gold at London 2012, to add to his previous achievements in 2000 and 2004.

He commented: “It is incredible to join the IOC on its Athletes’ Commission. I have dedicated 20 years of my life to my sporting dream.

“I have had an unforgettable career and I feel enormous gratitude and immense respect for the Olympic family.”

Picture credit: IOC/Richard Juilliart

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