Sound Of The Surf: ISA Launch Athletes’ Commission

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has launched an athletes’ commission ahead of the sport’s debut appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The new commission will ensure that “athletes’ opinions are heard at the highest level of governance in surfing, stand-up paddle, and all surf-related disciplines.”

It will be led by Justine Dupont of France, who has collected world medals across three ISA disciplines.

The 26-year-old expressed her delight at being appointed chair of the commission. “I am honoured to accept the ISA’s invitation to chair the Athletes’ Commission,” she said. “As a long-time ISA competitor and professional surfer, I am looking forward to taking a leadership role where I can make positive change for the sport that I love.

“The commission will be diligent and thorough in making sure that we are passionately representing the vision and interests of all athletes of all genders, disciplines, and nationalities, to ensure that we continue the positive growth of surfing and on track to a great showing at Tokyo 2020.”

ISA vice-president and former Olympic sailing champion, Barbara Kendall, has been appointed ex officio.

Japan’s Masatoshi Ohno, Denmark’s Casper Steinfath, Dylan Lightfoot of South Africa, Peru’s Miguel Tudela, New Zealand’s Ella Williams and Alana Nichols of the United States make up the membership of the commission.