07 July 2010

Sprinter Emily Freeman and javelin ace Goldie Sayers have been named as members of the newly formed BOA Athletes commission.

In a group of 14 athletes, who among them can draw upon combined experience of 33 Olympic Games, Freeman and Sayers take two places on the highly regarded panel, giving a strong voice to the nations favourite Olympic and Paralympic sport.

The members comprise a mix of ten summer and four winter Olympians, with 12 different Olympic sport disciplines represented. Nine of the athletes are still active competitors aiming for London 2012 or Sochi 2014, while five have retired within the last two Olympiads.

The Athletes’ Commission collectively accounts for eight Team GB Olympic medals in four sports and includes sailing double gold medallist Sarah Webb and rowing triple silver medallist Katherine Grainger. Both Jackie Lockhart (curling) and Karen Pickering (swimming) have competed at four Olympic Games.
 
The members will be led by three-time Olympian rower Sarah Winckless, who was recently appointed as the first BOA Athletes’ Commission Chair and will be responsible for feeding the views of the Commission into the BOA Board, of which she is a member.

The Commission is an advisory group that has been created to bring the perspective and expertise of the athletes to provide input to the many initiatives and programmes offered by the BOA. Its creation followed a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee Congress last year to ensure that athletes possess a meaningful voice in the decision-making process of National Olympic Committees.

Andy Hunt, BOA Chief Executive said:
“I am very pleased that the composition of the new BOA Athletes’ Commission reflects such a great wealth and diversity of Olympic experience. The calibre of athletes who put themselves forward is a tribute to the determination of British athletes to support their fellow Team GB Olympians. The BOA will benefit greatly from the insights and perspective delivered by the members of the Athletes’ Commission and I look forward to welcoming their input at BOA Board level through the Commission Chair, Sarah Winckless.”

Goldie Sayers, athletics, said:
“Being part of Team GB at the Olympic Games is a unique and special experience for an athlete.  I’m passionate about helping the BOA to ensure London 2012 is the best possible Olympic Games for the athletes and that they are met with the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.”

Ben Hawes, hockey, said:
“It’s great that the BOA has decided to create an Athletes’ Commission and it’s a massive honour to be voted in by my fellow athletes to be their voice. Things that go on around the Olympics can often have a big impact on performance so it’s pertinent that athletes are able to voice their opinions on these aspects. I look forward to giving my input, as a member of a team sport, to help the BOA provide Team GB athletes with the best possible preparations for London 2012 and beyond.”

BOA Athletes’ Commission Members: