The Australian Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission Announces Six New Members

As the Paris Games come to a close, the Australian Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission has confirmed six new members. 

Among the new inductees are Georgia Baker (cycling), surfing champion Sally Fitzgibbons, rowing’s Joshua Hicks, rugby player Henry Hutchison, diving’s Annabelle Smith, and Alyce Wood, who represents canoe sprint. Each brings a unique perspective from their respective sports, promising a comprehensive approach to addressing athletes’ needs and challenges.

In addition to the inductees, Andrew Charter (Hockey), Rowie Webster (Water Polo), Jess Fox and Ken Wallace will remain on the Commission. Cate Campbell, who served as the Chair, decided not to seek re-election, leaving a legacy of strong leadership and advocacy for athletes.

The Commission is also set to maintain its focus on Indigenous representation, with two positions reserved for Indigenous athletes. These roles, which were previously held by Alex Winwood and Taliqua Clancy, will be appointed following the AOC Executive’s meeting in September 2024. This commitment ensures that Indigenous voices continue to be a vital part of the Commission’s discussions and decisions. In a significant move towards gender parity, the Commission now comprises an equal number of men and women, including the Indigenous representatives. This balance underscores the Commission’s dedication to inclusivity and equitable representation, with a wide range of voices and experiences amongst AOC members enhancing the Commission’s credibility and effectiveness.

AOC President Ian Chesterman expressed his appreciation for the high voter turnout and engagement of athletes during the elections in Paris. He highlighted the critical role of the Athletes’ Commission in shaping the environment for the Paris campaign, stating, “The athlete’s voice is at the heart of any successful team.”

Chesterman highlighted the Commission’s comprehensive involvement in various aspects of team preparation, from the high-performance environment to sustainability measures and team culture. He reaffirmed the Australian Olympic Committee’s commitment to ensuring that athletes have a voice through the Athletes’ Commission, describing it as a highly valued advisory group for himself and the Executive.

He also took the opportunity to thank Cate Campbell for her leadership, acknowledging her efforts to keep Olympians informed and connected with the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee. “Cate’s retirement marks the end of an era in the pool, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

Reflecting on her tenure, Cate Campbell expressed the importance of listening and gathering feedback from athletes to inform the Commission’s work. She expressed confidence in the new members, stating that their fresh ideas and energy will significantly enhance the Commission’s ability to provide effective advice to the AOC Executive.

With the successful Games in Paris behind them, the new Commission will turn its focus to upcoming events, such Milano-Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.