The International Athletes’ Forum successfully concluded in Lausanne following two days of athlete-centred discussions, facilitated by the IOC Athletes’ Commission which is Chaired by EOC Executive Committee (ExCom) member Emma Terho.
More than 400 participants attended the two-day event, which helped to exchange ideas aimed at strengthening the support provided by Athletes’ Commissions around the world.
Key topics included an update from the IOC Athletes’ Commission on its activities, support for athletes available from the IOC, Olympic Solidarity and the Worldwide Olympic Partners, and updates on upcoming Olympic Games.
A series of workshops were also held on anti-doping, mental health and well-being, prevention of competition manipulation, social media for Athletes’ Commissions, sustainability, and administration of Athletes Commissions.
On the final day of the International Athletes’ Forum, IOC President Thomas Bach made his final appearance at the event before he hands over to IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry on 23 June, and conducted an interactive question-and-answer session with the participants.
Ms Terho thanked President Bach for his service to athletes and the Olympic Movement, and presented a special photo album from the IOC Athletes’ Commission and a thank you video from athletes from around the world, including EOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Alistair Brownlee.
“Thank you so much for the role that you have played in the Olympic Movement over so many years,” two-time Olympic triathlon gold medallist Brownlee said.
“As far as I am concerned it is the best and most important movement in the world, and so your role has been crucial.”
President-elect Coventry, herself a former Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, then held a fireside chat with Ms Terho and outlined her plans to further strengthen the global athlete network moving forward.
“I hope athlete representation just continues to get stronger and stronger. We all play such an important role, whether it’s here, on the global stage or at home in our communities – we are ambassadors,” President-elect Coventry said.
“We need to ensure that we continue to make good decisions for our athletes, that we create an incredible platform, which is the Olympic Games, for all of our athletes to succeed, and to leverage those Games for themselves, in their communities and in their sports.”
The EOC is determined to continue serving athletes and providing a safe, equal, and inclusive environment for all to reach their full potential.
It is committed to ensuring athlete voice is represented in key leadership positions, and the EOC Athletes’ Commission Chair serves as an ex-officio member of the EOC ExCom.
