US Allyson Felix and Australia's Jessica Fox Elected To IOC Athletes' Commission
Allyson Felix, the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete in Olympic history, and Australia's canoeing star Jessica Fox are among the four newly elected members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission. These elections took place during the ongoing Paris 2024 Games, where athletes from across the globe cast their votes.
The four athletes chosen for the commission will serve an eight-year term, lasting until the 2032 Olympics. Alongside Felix and Fox, German gymnast Kim Bui and New Zealand tennis player Marcus Daniell also secured positions on the commission. Bui is a three-time Olympian, and Daniell is known for winning a bronze medal in tennis at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
This election saw the participation of 6,576 athletes, marking a 61.96% voter turnout, the highest at a Summer Games since London 2012. A total of 29 candidates from 15 different sports and representing 29 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) vied for the four available spots, reflecting a wide interest among athletes in having a voice within the IOC.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission plays a crucial role in representing the perspectives of athletes within the Olympic Movement. Of the 23 members on the commission, 12 are elected directly by their peers during the Olympic Games, while the remaining members are appointed to maintain a balance across different genders, regions, and sports.
The new members will officially join the commission on August 9th, 2024, when they will also participate in electing the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commission. The Chair will then represent athletes on the IOC Executive Board, ensuring that athletes’ voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making within the IOC.
This election marks a significant moment for these four athletes, as they transition from competing at the highest level to influencing the future of the Olympic Movement. Their involvement is expected to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the commission, helping to shape the direction of the IOC in the years leading up to the 2032 Olympics.
