London set to host 8th European Athletes Forum and Assembly

London will host the 8^th European Athletes Forum and Assembly on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November, during which the Assembly will elect members of the EOC Athletes’ Commission 2025 | 2029.

Athlete representatives from 49 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will attend in person or online, with the Forum providing them with an opportunity to make their voices heard on a range of key topics.

The first day will feature welcome addresses and updates from EOC President Spyros Capralos, EOC Secretary General Carlo Mornati, IOC Executive Board and EOC Executive Committee member Emma Terho and EOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Alistair Brownlee, Chair of the ANOCA Athletes’ Commission and Member of the WADA Athlete Committee Gaby Ahrens.

Olympic Solidarity Associate Director Olivier Niamkey will present to the European Athletes Forum and hold a question-and-answer session with athletes.

It will also include dedicated sessions on preventing competition manipulation and social media for Athletes’ Commissions, topics which are of vital importance for protecting and empowering athletes.

Elections to the EOC Athletes’ Commission will take place on day two, featuring 16 candidates from Summer Sports and two candidates from Winter Sports.

Each NOC Athletes’ Commission is eligible for one vote for each position to be elected, meaning they must select their six preferred candidates from Summer Sports. The six candidates with the highest number of votes from summer sports will be elected, while the two candidates from winter sports will automatically join the 2025-2029 EOC Athletes’ Commission.

EOC President Spyros Capralos said: “The European Athletes Forum and Assembly is a cornerstone of our commitment to athlete representation. This gathering ensures athletes remain at the heart of decision-making within the European Olympic Movement, with the EOC Athletes’ Commission Chair serving on our Executive Committee. I look forward to speaking with the candidates during our time in London.”

EOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Alistair Brownlee said: “This is a crucial opportunity for athlete representatives across Europe to shape the future of our Commission. The voices and perspectives of those elected will help ensure athletes’ interests are represented at the highest levels of European sport.”

The following candidates are running for election:

SUMMER SPORTS

Ms. Zorana ARUNOVIC (Serbia, Shooting)

Ms. Michelle COLEMAN (Sweden, Swimming)

Ms. Eda ERDEM DÜNDAR (Türkiye, Volleyball)

Ms. Anastasija GRIGORJEVA (Latvia, Wrestling)

Mr. Rafig HUSEYNOV (Azerbaijan, Wrestling)

Mr. Benjamin Wittrup JUSTESEN (Denmark, Cycling)

Ms. Boryana KALEYN (Bulgaria, Rhythmic Gymnastics)

Ms. Alexandra LONGOVA (Slovakia, Archery)

Ms. Raffaella MASCIADRI (Italy, Basketball)

Ms. Barbara MATIC (Croatia, Judo)