More than 400 athlete representatives gathered in Lausanne, Switzerland, from 11-12 June for the 12th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF). Hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, athlete representatives from 200 National Olympic Committees, 54 International Federations, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the International Paralympic Committee, Organising Committees for upcoming Olympic Games, Continental Associations of NOCs, and members of the Athletes’ Declaration Steering Committee attended to discuss some of the most pressing athlete-related topics.
IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry welcomed participants to the Olympic Capital and joined discussions throughout the forum. The two-day event resulted in important outcomes across various areas, including athlete financial support programmes, safe sport, mental health, and career transition.
Table tennis was well represented at the forum, with China’s Grand Slam champion Ding Ning participating in the preparatory work in her capacity as Olympic Council of Asia Athletes’ Commission Chair and IOC Athletes’ Commission Liaison. The former world number one, who captured Olympic gold in London 2012 and Rio 2016, has been actively involved in athlete advocacy since retiring from professional competition.
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Indian legend and ITTF Athletes’ Committee Co-Chair Sharath Kamal Achanta was also present, with both champions engaging in discussions with athlete representatives from around the world on key topics affecting the global sporting community.
The forum reinforced the IOC’s commitment to ensuring athletes’ voices remain central to decision-making processes that impact their careers and wellbeing.