IOC Athletes’ Commission appointment thrills Oshonaike

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Seven-time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike has pledged to represent Nigeria and Africa with pride on the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, following her nomination by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.

Oshonaike is the first Nigerian appointed to the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and she is among five new members appointed to ensure the Commission reaches full composition ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The 50-year-old is one of Africa’s most decorated table tennis players with several medals at the African Games.

In a statement released on Thursday, the IOC confirmed the appointments of Oshonaike, Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha (Iran, badminton), Husein Alireza (Saudi Arabia, rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé (Ivory Coast, taekwondo), and Mariana Pajón (Colombia, cycling). The appointments were made in consultation with IOC AC Chair Emma Terho.

“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do,” Coventry said.

“I am deeply grateful to our new members for their commitment and the wealth of experience they bring in service to athletes worldwide.”

Oshonaike competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020. She currently serves on both the Nigeria National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commission.

“I am so excited because during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I was impressed by the huge support from my country and athletes across the world. This appointment confirms that my efforts did not go unnoticed. It has been my dream to impact the sport that has given me the rare opportunity to live well in life.”

Her fellow African appointee, Cheick Sallah Cissé of Ivory Coast, is a Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo and co-chair of the World Taekwondo Athletes’ Commission.

With these appointments, the IOC Athletes’ Commission now comprises 23 members from all continents, including a representative from the Refugee Olympic Team. The body features 13 women and 10 men, representing 15 summer sports and five winter sports.

Chair Emma Terho welcomed the new members, noting: “Their diverse backgrounds, achievements, and experience will enrich our discussions and help us continue to advocate for athletes worldwide.”

The IOC AC plays a central role in the Olympic Movement, ensuring athletes’ voices are heard at the highest level. The Commission is composed of up to 23 members—12 elected directly by athletes during the Games and up to 11 appointed by the IOC President to ensure balanced representation across gender, regions, and sports.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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