With the Tokyo Summer Games and Beijing Winter Games taking place in close proximity, a new-look Athletes’ Commission is now in place with seven new members appointed following elections after each of the Games.

Cate Campbell replaces previous Chair, Scott Kneller, whose term on the Commission expired after the Beijing Games.

She says it’s a very exciting time for the Olympic movement.

“This is an absolute privilege, particularly when Olympic sport in Australia faces the great opportunities presented over the next decade ahead of Brisbane 2032.

“In my time on the AOC Athletes’ Commission, I have learned so much from Steve Hooker and more recently Scott, in how to listen to my fellow Olympians and the importance of the Olympic athlete voice in providing advice to the AOC that can really make a difference. My thanks to both Steve and Scott for showing us what’s possible.

“We have seen ideas turn into action in that time and the success we have enjoyed in Tokyo and now in Beijing reflects that athlete input.

“The Athletes’ Commission can also play a huge role in the AOC’s ambitions in the areas of sustainability, Indigenous reconciliation and instilling the values of Olympism in future generations,” Ms Campbell said.

AOC President John Coates says Cate Campbell personifies the Olympic ideals and this has been recognised by her contemporaries.

“Cate’s service on the AOC Athletes’ Commission over the past nine years has been exemplary, particularly in recent times. The leadership she displayed during the great difficulties of the COVID lockdowns was inspirational.

“Seeing Cate leading the Australian Team at the Tokyo Opening Ceremony as joint Flag Bearer with Patrick Mills said so much about her leadership.

“Given the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead, I could not think of a better team in Cate and Kenny Wallace to take the Athletes’ Commission forward.

“Ken Wallace is an Olympic champion and a champion Olympian. Most recently as Deputy Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Team and also as Chef de Mission for Australia’s Team at the Pacific Games in Samoa in 2019.

“He brings such passion and pride – it rubs off on people. He has brought that to the Athletes’ Commission over many years and now as Deputy Chair.

“The Commission has also demonstrated the very important capacity to listen to fellow athletes, with the survey undertaken in 2020 around athletes’ rights to express themselves at Games, a prime example. That initiative showed global leadership on an important issue. The Australian Olympians’ Oath is another example of leadership.

“I believe Cate, Ken and their Commission colleagues will make their mark in many different ways to build on the work that’s already been undertaken.

Ken Wallace says he’s been proud to represent the broader athletes’ voice by sitting on the AOC Athletes Commission since 2012.

“Being elected by my peers as Deputy Chair for the Commission is an incredible honour and I feel privileged upon taking up this position.

“We have been lucky to have dynamic leaders on the Commission in the past, and I look forward to the challenge of trying to fill their shoes,” Mr Wallace concluded.

The AOC Athletes’ Commission comprises five women and five men. Voting for positions on the Commission takes place after each Games – with Greta Small and Brodie Summers the most recent additions following a vote by winter Olympians at the Beijing Games.

The AOC Constitution changed last year providing for a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence on the Commission with two positions. Boxer Alex Winwood was voted onto the Commission at last year’s Tokyo Games. A second Indigenous member will be appointed in the very near future.