Fox to seek key Olympic role while paddling for gold

The 29-year-old is among 32 international sports stars, including American sprint legend Allyson Felix, who will seek to fill one of the four vacancies to become a member of the Commission, with up to 10,500 Olympic athletes set to cast their votes during next year's Games in Paris.

Fox, Olympic champion in Tokyo and generally considered the greatest paddler of all-time in her sport after winning 14 world championship golds, has had her powerful candidacy fully backed by Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) chiefs, who believe she has the "perfect" resume.

The Athletes' Commission, comprised of 23 members, effectively acts as the athletes' voice within the Olympic movement. Elected Members also serve as IOC Members.

Fox, who'll be competing in her fourth Olympics in Paris in the C1, K1 and, in all likelihood, also the Kayak Cross, has already had experience on athletes' commissions for the IOC, AOC, Oceanian Olympic Committee (ONOC) and International Canoeing Federation.

"Jess has already shown a great commitment to serve her fellow athletes," said AOC President Ian Chesterman.

"She has strived for gender equality, typified by her championing the inclusion of a female C1 event ahead of Tokyo 2020 which, fittingly, she won.

"She is an exceptionally strong candidate. Not only does she have a deep understanding of the issues affecting athletes, but she is also multi-lingual which helps her to effectively communicate across the globe.

"(She will be) a valuable asset for athletes around the world."

Fox herself is adamant she wants to make a difference. "The athlete experience at the Olympic Games is always a priority, but outside of those two weeks, it's just as important to ensure Olympians and aspiring Olympians have their voices heard and feel supported around key issues affecting athletes," she said.

"I have a strong interest in contributing to the areas of sustainability, athlete opportunities and transition and mental health initiatives, as well as emerging technology and innovation such as AI and how it can contribute to the athlete experience.

"The sporting landscape is evolving and, if elected to the IOC AC, I'll continue to listen, support and serve our global athlete community on their Olympic journey as we help shape the future of the Olympic movement - for all of us today & for the next generation towards LA2028 & Brisbane 2032!

"I've grown up with the Olympics - watching Sydney 2000 as a kid, competing in the first Youth Olympic Games in 2010, to representing Australia in London, Rio, Tokyo, and becoming Olympic Champion.

"I'm passionate about sport and the role we can all play in inspiring others. Whether that's competing, spectating, supporting or promoting women's sports initiatives and gender equality, sport has a powerful impact on society and athletes are at the heart of it."

Voting for the IOC Athletes' Commission will begin on July 18 next year, closing on August 6 with the new members being announced on August 7.

The K1 final will be held on July 28, Fox defends her C1 title on July 31, and the Kayak Cross is staged on August 5, just two days before the announcement.

Australian Associated Press