Publication on the IOC Athletes’ Commission: “New Book explores the rise of the athlete voice within the Olympic Movement since 1981”

The year 2021 marks 40 years since the foundation of the Athletes’ Commission. On this occasion, the book “The International Olympic Committee Athletes` Commission – Its Foundation, Development and Transition” was published by Prof. Wassong. Michelle Ford-Eriksson, a former member of the Athletes` Commission from 1985 till 1988, contributed to the book with some personal impressions in a special chapter on the role of athletes at the Olympic Congress in Baden-Baden. The research by Prof. Wassong provides a closer look into the establishment and development of the IOC Athletes’ Commission from 1981 till 2000 and identifies the Commission as an important institution in order to strengthen the voice and position of the athletes within the network of the Olympic Movement. Authentic insights into the activities of the Commission and its growing institutional representation and recognition of the athletes are provided by interviews and statements from active and former members of the Athletes’ Commission, including IOC President Thomas Bach, who was a founding member of the commission.

IOC press release: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/new-book-explores-the-rise-of-the-athlete-voice-within-the-olympic-movement-since-1981

The book is free of charge and available online:

Olympic World Library - The International Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission : its foundation, development and transition : 1981 2000 / Stephan Wassong - Detail (olympics.com)