Two sports, cycling and athletics, have representatives on the AOC Athletes’ Commission for the first time since its inception in 1985.

Cyclists Anna Meares and Stuart O’Grady and pole vaulter Steve Hooker are among the new faces on the Commission which was sworn in today.

“The AOC Athletes’ Commission was formed back in 1985 and I am delighted to see cycling and track and field represented for the first time,” said AOC President John Coates.

New members Loudy Wiggins (diving), Lauren Mitchell (gymnastics), Ken Wallace (canoe/kayak), Kim Crow (rowing) along with Meares, O’Grady and Hooker were inducted at a ceremony at the AOC headquarters in Sydney.

They join James Tomkins (rowing), Jenny Owens (freestyle skiing), and Paul Murray (cross country skiing) who were part of the previous Commission and re-elected in a vote by members of the Australian Olympic Team in London.

Kim Crow, who won a silver and bronze medal in rowing at the London 2012 Games, was elected Chair of the Commission today and Paul Murray Deputy-Chair.

Coates spoke to the Commission about the importance of gender equality highlighting the AOC decision to always have five females and five males represented on the Commission.

“Gender diversity is extremely important and we need more women involved on the AOC Executive Board and on the Boards of our member sports,” he said. “46% of our Beijing Team was made up of women and they won the bulk of the medals.”

Coates also congratulated James Tomkins on his election to the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Read more about the AOC Athletes' Commission here>>>

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