Athletes Vie for IOC Athletes’ Commission Seats at Milano Cortina 2026
Top athletes from across various sports are now competing for a spot on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, a pivotal role influencing Olympic decision-making. The election, set during the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, will determine the next voices representing athletes worldwide.
The Contenders
National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with their Athletes’ Commissions, nominated candidates for the upcoming election. The diverse group represents various nations and sports, showcasing the global reach of the Olympic movement.
- Oleksandr Abramenko (Freestyle Skiing, Ukraine)
- Zhanbota Aldabergenova (Freestyle Skiing, Kazakhstan)
- Dario Cologna (Cross-Country Skiing, Switzerland)
- Yohan Goncalves Goutt (Alpine Skiing, Timor-Leste)
- Cong Han (Figure Skating, China)
- Ilkka Herola (Nordic Combined, Finland)
- Adam Kónya (Cross-Country Skiing, Hungary)
- Magnus Nedregotten (Curling, Norway)
- Johanna Talihärm (Biathlon, Estonia)
- Marielle Thompson (Freestyle Skiing, Canada)
- Yunjong Won (Bobsleigh, Republic of Korea)
The full list of candidates and their biographies are available online at this link.
Athlete Voices at the Forefront
The current IOC AC Chair, Emma Terho, emphasized the significance of athlete representation. She said, “It is always inspiring to see athletes from around the world step forward to represent their peers.”
She also expressed her confidence in the diverse group of nominees.
The list of candidates for the IOC Athletes' Commission election at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games is now available! https://t.co/4tQ7P2tq5r
— Olympics (@Olympics) June 21, 2024
“Having served on the Commission for the past seven years, I know how meaningful this role can be. There is also an important responsibility that comes with it when your peers put their trust in you to represent them.”
—Emma Terho, IOC AC Chair
This election emphasizes the IOC’s continued commitment to athlete involvement. The IOC Athletes’ Commission ensures that athlete perspectives are incorporated into Olympic decision-making at all levels.
Election Details and Procedure
The voting process will commence on January 30, 2026, when the Olympic Villages officially open, and it will conclude on February 18. Results will be revealed on February 19, just three days before the Games’ closing ceremony.
All athletes competing at Milano Cortina 2026 will have the opportunity to vote. Polling stations will be available in each of the six Olympic Villages.
Two candidates who receive the most votes, representing different sports, will serve eight-year terms on the IOC AC. They will also be proposed for election as IOC Members to the IOC Session. According to a recent report, the IOC has increased its focus on athlete representation in decision-making, recognizing the importance of their voice in shaping the future of sports (Olympic.org).
Leadership and Structure
Following the election, the Commission will appoint a Chair and two Vice-Chairs, holding their positions from one edition of the Games to the next. The IOC AC was established in 1981 to serve as the essential link between athletes and the IOC.
The Chair of the IOC AC also holds a full membership on the IOC Executive Board. This position ensures that athletes’ voices are represented at the highest levels. There are 15 IOC AC members in the IOC Session, mirroring the representation from NOCs and International Federations (IFs).
In recent years, the IOC AC has been instrumental in several significant initiatives, including the Athlete365 platform, the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration, mental health support, and career transition programs.
