Athletes must use their voices‍

Speaking from Tokyo, Ms Karo Lelai, Papua New Guinean lawyer and former national elite basketball athlete who is current Chair of the Oceania National Olympic Committees’ (ONOC) Athletes’ Commission said, ‘it is very important that every athlete from Oceania uses their voice by voting which athlete represents their interest at the IOC Athletes’ Commission’.‍

Oceania candidates for IOC AC membership‍

There are two athletes from Oceania vying for positions in the IOC AC, Ms Cate Campbell (AUS, Swimming) and Mr Ryan Pini (PNG, Swimming). 

‘The Athletes’ Commission is recognised as the mechanism that comprises athletes representing athletes and it’s the vehicle that maintains the viewpoint of athletes throughout the Olympic Movement, from national level to global IOC level.’

Ms Lelai explained that the IOC AC consists of 23 members, and of these, four are elected by athletes at every Summer Olympics, and two at every Winter Olympics based on revolving due terms. Twelve members are elected by their peers and eleven are appointed ensuring a balance of region, gender and sport.

Recognising the legacy of IOC AC member, James Tomkins (AUS) ‍

‘Four members of the IOC AC have their terms up,’ Ms Lelai said, ‘One of them being James Tomkins OAM, the champion rower from Australia who has served well in his term.’ 

She added that, ‘Mr Tomkins is a star-studded athlete with numerous national awards under his belt, including three Olympic gold medals and one bronze. 

He is also a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia and has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.’ 

There are 30 candidates vying for four positions in the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Call to action - vote for Oceania to have a voice ‍

Ms Lelai drew attention to the two current candidates from Oceania, Ms Cate Campbell (AUS) and Mr Ryan Pini (PNG), saying that both had contributed to their sport and worked in using their careers to influence their sport and young athletes in their countries. 

‘I reiterate my call to every athlete from Oceania to please take time to vote, said Ms Lelai, ‘we are of the largest Ocean in the world and made of many small islands, including Australia and New Zealand. 

‘Oceania has great diversity and unique needs and interests so it’s pertinent that we have representation at the highest level of the IOC in terms of athletes’ voices so please vote.’

Voting of members to the IOC Athletes’ Commission opened on 13 July and closes on 3 August with results to be announced the next day.‍

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For more guidance and information, please follow the links below:
On the IOC AC Election Process
On Oceania candidate Ms Cate Campbell (Australia)
On Oceania candidate Mr Ryan Pini (Papua New Guinea)
On the ONOC Athletes’ Commission
Warriors of Oceania (ONOC Athletes’ Commission) website