Six New Members Elected To British Olympic Associations’ Athletes’ Commission

Six athletes have been elected as the newest members of the British Olympic Association’s (BOA) Athletes’ Commission.

Non Stanford (Triathlon) Abigail Irozuru (Athletics), Alex Danson-Bennett (Hockey) and Lloyd Wallace (Freestyle Skiing) will all join the Commission for the first time in 2023, while Kristian Thomas (Artistic Gymnastics) and Georgie Twigg (Hockey) have both been re-elected for a second term.

The Athletes’ Commission was formed in 2010 to help ensure that athletes are at the heart of everything the BOA does, with their perspective and expertise informing decision-making across the organisation.

Made up of current and former athletes from a range of summer and winter Olympic sports, the group ensures the athlete voice is fully represented, with the Chair responsible for feeding the views of the Commission back to the BOA Board.

Of the existing commission, three members’ terms will draw to a close this December, with Aimee Fuller (Snowboard) and Liam Tancock (Swimming) completing their first terms, and Eric Boateng (Basketball) completing his second. Two-time Olympic swimmer Lizzie Simmonds remains Chair of the Commission after being elected to the position last year.

Over 500 athletes voted in this year’s election, with eligibility given to any athlete who has competed for Team GB in the last 12 years.

Lizzie Simmonds said: “I am delighted to welcome four new members to the Athletes’ Commission and to see Kristian and Georgie re-elected for a second term.

“Having a broad range of athlete viewpoints is hugely important for the Commission, and it is a real privilege to work alongside Olympians who are so passionate about supporting Team GB.

I very much look forward to harnessing the group’s expertise as we continue on the exciting journey towards Paris 2024 and Milan Cortina 2026.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Liam, Eric and Aimee, who will finish their terms at the end of the year. Their contributions to our group have been invaluable, and it’s been a real honour to work with them over the last four years.”

Non Stanford said: “I feel very privileged to be chosen to represent the athlete voice on the BOA Athletes’ Commission. Thank you to everyone who voted, I can’t wait to begin.”

Abigail Irozuru said: “I’m genuinely so excited to get started working alongside the other members of the Athletes’ Commission and building our community.

I’m passionate about creating positive change in the spaces I occupy, so to be able to add my voice as part of this organisation and to support Team GB as we prepare for the Paris 2024 and Milan Cortina 2026 Games feels like the perfect opportunity.”

Alex Danson-Bennett said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Athletes’ Commission. I am passionate about every athlete having the best experience possible and am so looking forward to supporting and delivering all that is necessary as they prepare for Paris 2024 and Milan Cortina 2026.”

Lloyd Wallace said: “I’m very excited to have been elected to the Athletes’ Commission and I am grateful to the athletes who have given me the opportunity to represent them.

Given my background in a smaller, fringe sport, and recent involvement in commercial representation, I hope I can draw from my experience to give a voice to athletes from all sports and all backgrounds.”

Kristian Thomas said: “I’m delighted to be re-elected as an Athlete Commission member as I’ve seen first-hand the importance of the Commission and the role we play in supporting Team GB and the athletes.

With Paris only 18 months away and Milan Cortina shortly after, we have an exciting opportunity to utilise the athlete voice, enhancing the athlete journey and best support Team GB through a very exciting cycle.”

Georgie Twigg said: “I am delighted to have been re-elected on to the BOA Athletes’ Commission. I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved the last four years and look forward to continuing to help represent the best interests of current Team GB athletes on their journeys to Paris 2024 and Milan Cortina 2026.”

BOA’s Athletes’ Commission