The three-time Olympic swimmer will vie for one of four open positions on the Athletes’ Commission, to be voted on by athletes in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Village during next year’s Games.

The four elected athletes will replace members whose eight-year term finish in 2020, including Australian rower James Tomkins. 

The Commission, comprised of 17 athletes from 17 different nations, advises the IOC Session, IOC Executive Board and President Thomas Bach to ensure the athletes’ viewpoint is integral to the Olympic movement.

AOC President John Coates AC said Cate’s extensive experience of promoting athlete outcomes would make her a perfect candidate for the role.

“Cate has been an invaluable member of the AOC’s Athletes’ Commission for more than six years after being elected to that role by her peers” Mr Coates said.

“Cate brings the same drive, determination and passion that has seen her become one of the world’s best swimmers, with five Olympic medals across three Games, to her role as an athlete advocate.
 
“She has used her position to work hard for athletes, throughout their Olympic experience, their ongoing athletic endeavours and in the vital transition to post-athletic career.

“I strongly support Cate’s candidacy for the IOC Athletes’ Commission and believe her experience, both in competition and out, will make her a valuable asset for athletes around the world.”

Campbell said she was honoured at the opportunity to make a difference for athletes around the world.

“The opportunity to promote athletes’ interests for the global Olympic community is something I’m really passionate about,” Campbell said.

“We all have chances to make the world a better place and I want to take that opportunity to represent Olympians’ interests.

“I’m proud of the work the AOC Athletes’ Commission, particularly around athlete transition. Moving into a post-elite sport life can be extremely daunting, and being able to work with athletes internationally to build a powerful athlete transition program for the entire Olympic family is something I would focus on.

“Equally, improved communication between athletes and organisations is important. Competing at three Olympics as an athlete and being part of the AOC Athletes’ Commission since 2013, I’ve seen first-hand how much passion and effort goes into organising an Olympic Team. 

“I believe we can be innovative in improving communication with athletes and that will lead to better outcomes – both for athletes and sporting organisations.

“Being a candidate for this Commission is a big responsibility and not something I take on lightly. I want to take the opportunity now to make a difference for athletes around the world, grow the Olympic movement and promote the Olympic ideals that we hold so dearly.”

Candidates elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission have their membership submitted to the IOC Session for approval for full membership of the IOC, served concurrently over the following eight years. 

🚨 The full list of candidates for the #Tokyo2020 IOC AC Election has been announced!

The 30 nominated candidates will compete for your votes to earn a seat on the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Who will represent you?
Find out how to have your say👇https://t.co/qPRyWt8F1x pic.twitter.com/ZLwkB68dB2

— Athlete365 (@Athlete365) December 5, 2019

More information about the IOC Athletes’ Commission is available here.

The IOC Press Release announcing candidates and providing further information on the election process is here.

Selected by a panel of Olympians from more than 1,000 nominations across the country, the 26 year 10 to 12 students were awarded medals, produced by the Royal Australian Mint, at a ceremony with Olympians, AOC CEO Matt Carroll and Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid.

The ceremony is part of a two-day summit where the young Australians shared their community projects and learned from Olympians including Cameron Girdlestone (rowing), Brooke Hanson (swimming), Josh Katz (judo), Koti Ngawati (swimming), Greta Small (alpine skiing), Marianna Tolo (basketball) and Kathy Watt OAM (cycling).

The Olympic Change-Makers will also present recommendations to the AOC based on their summit experience on how the Olympic movement can affect change in key areas including equality and diversity, sustainability, regional engagement, the benefits of sport and empowering the voice of young Australians.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll was inspired at the impact young Australians can have using sport in their communities.

“The AOC is committed to using the power of sport to make a difference,” Mr Carroll said.

“These 26 young leaders selected for the summit and the thousand more who have been part of the inaugural Olympic Change-Maker program embody the Olympic spirit.

“From Olympians inspiring the country with incredible feats in the sporting arena to young Australians making a small but extraordinary difference in their local community, the Olympic spirit is about making a positive impact and acting with respect, teamwork and sportsmanship.

“Congratulations to all the Olympic Change-Makers recognised today, we look forward to following your journey as you continue to demonstrate the Olympic spirit and lead in your communities.”

The award ceremony at the Mint coincided with the announcement of the Mint as an Official Partner of the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo 2020.

“The AOC thanks the Royal Australian Mint for their invaluable support of the Australian Olympic Team and for supporting young leaders of tomorrow with the Olympic Change-Maker program.”

More than 1000 year 11 and 12 students from every state and territory were nominated by their schools, with 700 attending state-based Olympic Change-Maker summits to share their journeys and learn from Olympians. 

The 26 national Olympic Change-Makers, from every state and territory, were selected based on their outstanding generosity and leadership in creating real impact in their communities.

Rio 2016 basketballer and Tokyo 2020 hopeful Marianna Tolo sees the important role young Australians can have. 

“It’s humbling to be in the room and hear the stories from the students, each with their own unique pathway to get where they are today,” Tolo said. 

“The energy from the students is incredible. This is the next generation, with a whole different experience to the generation of current athletes. 

“It’s really important to listen to their input and provide our support, to help them use their unique experience to influence change. 

“Being from North Queensland, I was so lucky that sport gave me the opportunity to travel and get exposed to people from different backgrounds. The Olympic Change-Maker program gives young people a platform to share their unique backgrounds, experiences and ideas to come up with fresh new ideas that can benefit people in their own communities and across the country.”

From volunteering as a basketball coach at the Disability Trust to establishing a morning basketball club bringing his school community together, Bulli’s Tyson Bricknell is already using sport to make a difference.

“The idea of being able to make a change, whether it’s for one person or an entire community, is so inspiring,” Bricknell said.

“We’re the next generation, and we have some weight on our shoulders to try to pick up and build on what’s come before, to improve on how we found things. Sport is such a powerful way to make a difference in our communities.

“The early morning basketball club I set up started as a way to improve some skills of our team – but it grew into something much bigger, across age groups and different teams. Kids are coming into school early, so excited and motivated, the club built a community which goes beyond the court now and into our whole school community.

“Being able to share this experience and learn from Olympians and students around the country is just incredible - I could barely sleep all week I was so excited.”

The Royal Australian Mint’s responsible Minister, the Minister for Housing & Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar said that the Mint is proud to support Australia’s gifted young leaders on their road to greatness and is looking forward to sharing in their unique stories and achievements in the future.

“The Royal Australian Mint has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Australian achievement and leading into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games the Mint is proud to be supporting the Australian Olympic Change-Makers from across the nation” said the Hon Michael Sukkar.

“The Mint tells important Australian stories, and the Mint’s medallions have an enduring value and long-lasting quality that is shared through generations.  Even in the digital age, the Mint’s medallions, medals and coins are widely sought after and it is again working hard to create meaningful and popular products in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Games.”

Find out more about the Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program here.
 

And as he started to succeed in BMX Freestyle, he always felt like something was missing from his sport and his career… until it was announced BMX Freestyle would make it’s debut at Tokyo 2020

Now, after claiming his maiden rainbow jersey when he took out gold at the 2019 Urban Cycling World Championships, Brandon Loupos is pushing harder and further than ever before to secure his spot in the green and gold on the Tokyo 2020 startline.

You can hear more Tokyo Unleashed Podcasts HERE.

Gilmore emerged the victor ahead of young mentee and fellow Aussie Tyler Wright, surfing in her first competition since a debilitating illness.

With both Aussies making it to the finals of the Maui Pro in Hawaii, it was Gilmore who came out on top, scoring 14.16 to Wright's 9.67.

Gilmore has now extended her record to 31 Championship Tour wins across her career, with her sights set on an eighth World Championship title next season, but Tokyo 2020 gold is the bigger goal when surfing makes its Olympic debut in July.

Gilmore ends this year ranked number four in the world but is still considered the most successful surfer of all time, provisionally qualified for Tokyo alongside Sally Fitzgibbons.

In May 2020, Surfing Australia will consider athletes that have satisfied the Tokyo 2020 Nomination Criteria and will submit to the Australian Olympic Committee for selection.

 

 

 

 

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How amazing is the Aussie spirit... so many success, progression and learning experiences in Hawaii this week💪🏽 Congratulations to these two inspiring female Aust athletes for putting on a show in the @wsl #lululemonmauipro We’re so proud of you both. Well done to all our female WCT surfers for what’s been an incredible 2019 @wsl WCT year and for all the efforts of the coaches, performance support crew, brand partners, clubs/ states, family & friends and our HP Program Staff who support you. Amazing year @rissmoore10 winning a 4th World Title and setting a real benchmark for the sport. Bring on 2020 🇦🇺🏆 📸 @edsloanephoto #worldsbestsurfersandpeople

A post shared by Surfing Australia (@surfingaus) on Dec 3, 2019 at 4:02pm PST

Both women have secured an individual WCT event win in 2019 and have been consistent performers throughout the year, which now guarantees they finish inside the Top 8 on the WSL CT Rankings, therefore, earning provisional places to compete in Tokyo.

Tyler Wright's impressive return to the water followed 17 months of complications from Influenza A which led to post-viral syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome which not only effected Wright physically but mentally.

"It messed up my brain and body," Wright told World Surf League in the lead up to the Maui Pro, with the neurological side effects leading to her being unable to get out of bed for 14 months. 

 

 

 

 

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It’s been 6 months since I last gave a health update. I’m really filled with anxiety to let you know that I’ll be making my first competitive appearance since Bali 2018. The @wsl #lululemonmauipro is the next step in my recovery and I’m confident in the work, and that I’ve taken every small step possible before I’ve come to this point. Maui is a very calculated and precise step in my recovery process. Explaining 17 months of complex medical issues is not something I’m going to attempt on this platform. Simplistically I got a virus that had a crack, it messed up my brain and body function. I spent 14 months in a lot of agonising pain and no real cognitive ability to understand what was going on. I was on 24hr physical and emotional care for close to 14 months. The last 17 months have been rough and I’ve spent most of it terrified and overwhelmed. I’m still very much in the healing process from it emotionally. With that said I am excited to be heading to Maui and to be at this stage of recovery. I get to see my friends and put a jersey on and hopefully see if the little competitor within is just waiting to come out to play. Alex and only a few others have seen the extent of my illness and the state in which I was in and the work I’ve done to be where I am today. I would like to thank them for there unwavering support and love. A huge thank you to the great humans that have helped me out of this mess. It feels nice to be in the water and catching waves and enjoying life. Xoxox 🎥 @fetchfilms @thefordhamcompany

A post shared by Tyler Wright (@tylerwright) on Nov 23, 2019 at 4:53pm PST

Other side effects of post-viral syndrome are confusion, difficulty concentrating, weakness, sensitivity to light and noise along with aches and pains, all of which Wright experienced, leaving her in tears.

The 25-year-old said she was unable to even hold a conversation, so to come back and take out second place behind her friend and compatriot, was a great feat.

Post-competition, Wright spoke of her excitement for her teammates, Tokyo 2020 and thanked her partner for her support.

“To see the girls qualify for the Olympics, it’s a huge moment for our sport,’’ Wright said.

“I feel very lucky and grateful to be here today, it was only a couple of months ago that I was still in a rough place and I would love to thank the people who got me here today and a lot of that is my girlfriend Alex.

“She’s been there the entire time for me. She saw it all. She saw the worst of the worst and to be here today, to be surfing and to be happy and healthy, I’m so enjoying this moment."

Wright also spoke about how seeing Gilmore in the water, was a calming reminder that she was among great company as she made her comeback.

“It’s pretty easy for me to get overwhelmed," she said.

“When I got in the water and I saw Steph relaxing out there, I thought; ‘Oh, this is my friend.'

"I love Steph, we’ve had so many heats together and I couldn’t think of a better way to end, or even start, this recovery process.

“To share a moment like that, in the last heat of the year, was a really special moment for me.

“I’m very proud of her (Gilmore), she did very well, but I definitely wanted to beat her.’’

Gilmore was equally proud of her friend and competitor.

 

 

 

 

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Congratulations Stephanie Gilmore for making history as one of the 18 athletes the WSL Championship Tour will provisionally qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. @stephaniegilmore

A post shared by World Surf League (@wsl) on Dec 2, 2019 at 5:04pm PST

“I couldn’t have thought of a better person to share the final with,’’ the 31-year-old said.

“We’ve missed her a lot, but she’s surfing better than ever.

"I can't wait to see her next year, I'm sure she'll be as dangerous as ever."

Liana Buratti

The 23-year-old was presented with Australian tennis’ top honour by legend John Newcombe at the annual awards ceremony at Crown Palladium.

 

 

 

 

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Congratulations, @ashbarty! 🏅 #Newks19 2019 has been her year – with titles in Miami, Birmingham, the WTA Finals and a maiden Grand Slam singles triumph at Roland-Garros, all culminating in the world No.1 ranking.

A post shared by Tennis Australia (@tennisaustralia) on Dec 2, 2019 at 3:18am PST

Barty won her first Newcombe Medal in 2017 and then shared the top honour with fellow nominee Alex de Minaur in 2018.

Her outstanding achievements in 2019 made her a clear winner, and after Sam Stosur, the only other player to achieve a Newcombe Medal hat-trick, with three wins.

“I’m incredibly grateful and very humbled to be here tonight,” Barty said after receiving the medal on stage from Newcombe.

“This is not about individual athletes — it’s a night of celebration for everyone involved in tennis and everyone that’s a part of our tennis family. Congratulations to everyone else who’s in this room. It takes a village and we are a big tennis family. I’m very humbled to be here tonight.

“I’m extremely fortunate to have such an amazing support network around me. It’s very special for me tonight to have Mum, Dad and my very first coach in Jim (Joyce) here. They gave me the unconditional love and support time and time again — in all the bad times and all the good times, they’re always there.

“There were a few words they said to me: ‘I love to watch you play’. And when your Mum and Dad say that to you, when your coach says that to you, that makes your heart race a little bit.

“Honestly it’s been incredible. I’m very grateful that they’re here to share it with me as well.”

Barty also gave heartfelt thanks to coach Craig Tyzzer, manager Nikki Craig and mindset coach Ben Crowe, among others, during her acceptance speech.

 

 

 

 

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Humbled and grateful to win my third Newcombe Medal. Amazing night celebrating with our Tennis Family 🇦🇺

A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty) on Dec 2, 2019 at 3:18pm PST

Following a breakout quarterfinal at the Australian Open in January 2019 – the best result for a local woman in a decade – Barty then progressed to victory at the prestigious Miami Open, cracking the world’s top 10 for the first time.

As her confidence grew, she was unstoppable on the court, winning her first major title at Roland Garros and rising to world No. 1 in June.

She capped off the year with victory at the WTA Finals and the year-end No.1 ranking, and also led Australia into its first Fed Cup final in 26 years.

Off court, the humble champion proved her impressive role model status by continuing her work as Indigenous Tennis Ambassador, partnering with the RSPCA and becoming the face of a campaign to encourage women and girls to stay in sport.

Barty won over a deserving field of nominees – Dylan Alcott (Vic), Alex de Minaur (NSW), John Millman (Qld), and Ajla Tomljanovic (Qld).

Four-time Olympian Sam Stosur also claimed bragging rights, taking home the Spirit of Tennis Award for her outstanding leadership and professionalism, as well as her positive impact on the sport in Australia.

Ten years after becoming the first recipient of the Newcombe Medal, Stosur was presented with the award, recognising an individual who has personified the essence of leadership, passion, sportsmanship, goodwill and dedication to the sport while making a major contribution to the stature of tennis.

You can read more about Stosur's win and her stellar career HERE

Tennis Australia

With surgery completed and radiotherapy treatment underway, Glaetzer is not letting his diagnosis deter him, with Tokyo 2020 still firmly in his sights.

You can hear more Tokyo Unleashed Podcasts HERE

In January 2016, pioneering Bells Beach surfer, Joe Sweeney passed away. Four months earlier, the International Olympic Committee had shortlisted surfing to be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and confirmed that decision on 3 August 2016.
 
Sweeney’s Olympic connection started in the ‘50s, competing in the Bantamweight (57kg) division of the Greco-Roman Wrestling tournament at Melbourne 1956, where Sweeney was defeated by Argentina’s Adolfo Díaz in the second match of the competition.

Sweeney was also a talented surfer and the 1954 Victorian champion. Raised in Melbourne, after the Melbourne Games he moved to the Victorian surf coast, building a home at Jan Juc and securing a job teaching physical education at Corio Tech in Geelong. He would also teach woodwork and work as a carpenter.
 
Sweeney would surf Bells’ famous breaks throughout winter, in a sleeveless footy jumper and Speedos, until he was blue.

Access to Bells Beach was very difficult, through paddocks and along a dirt track on the cliff tops which used to be used by the Cobb and Co horse-drawn coaches. The rough track kept surfers accessing Bells Beach limited to members of the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club.
 
In 1960, Sweeney obtained permission from the Shire of Barrabool to upgrade the track and extend it further into the Bells Beach area. He hired a local farmer who used his grader to widen and consolidate the track. The work cost thirty-two pounds and Sweeney then asked his surfing mates for one pound each to cover the cost.

In Easter 1961, the first competition was organised – the Bells Beach Easter Rally. By 1974 the rally was included on the World Surfing circuit and it became known as “The Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro”.
 
In the late 1970’s, the former chippie and woodwork teacher, started crafting the distinctive Rip Curl trophy bell. One recipient, Mark Richards described the care he took transporting it home.

"I hand-carried it pretty much all the way home on the plane. I actually think I sat with it on the plane. I wasn't game to put it up in the overhead locker 'cause I didn't want it to get damaged, so I cradled it all the way home.”

 
In later life, Sweeney continued to surf, including on Christmas day up until his 81st year.

Sweeney was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease, from which he died at 82, two and a half years post-diagnosis, but during this time, news broke that surfing was shortlisted for the Tokyo Games – 64 years after he competed in the Olympics as a wrestler. 
 
At his funeral, 200 surfers stood, shoulder to shoulder, boards planted in the Torquay sand and pointing high in a guard of honour.

He was described as a family man, teacher, surf legend, Olympian, storyteller, pioneer, chippie, craftsman, raconteur, wrestler, boxer, swimming champion, fierce competitor, fire captain, tai chi instructor, founding father, community leader and adventure sportsman.

Sweeney will no doubt continue to be remembered not only for his contribution to laying the foundations of the Bells Beach surfing culture, but for his impact on the wider community.

David Tarbotton

Olympics Unleashed will take athletes into primary schools to share their Olympic journey and how it can help students find their passion, set goals and build resilience to overcome challenges.

Cycling legend Anna Meares and Rio 2016 swimmer Travis Mahoney joined Education Minister John Gardner and AOC CEO Matt Carroll to announce the program at Prospect Primary School.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll said Olympians will help inspire young people to be their best in the classroom, on the sporting field, and in their personal lives.

“Olympians have inspiring stories that go beyond sport,” Mr Carroll said. “They bring to life the importance of finding a passion, setting goals and building resilience to overcome challenges.

“An Olympic journey is never a straight line – having athletes sharing their stories, including the challenges and how they overcame them, is a vital lesson that can help young people no matter what their passion.”

More than 50 South Australian based Olympians and Tokyo 2020 hopefuls will be trained to deliver Olympics Unleashed, with first visits rolling out in Term 1 2020.

The program extension is an AOC initiative in partnership with the South Australian Government and presenting partner Optus. 

“The AOC is committed to use the spirit of the Olympics and Australian Olympians to inspire young people to be their best,” Mr Carroll said. 

“We thank Minister Gardener, the South Australian Government, and Optus for their initiative and support in delivering Olympics Unleashed.”

Olympics Unleashed is free for schools, with the 45-minute presentations aimed at years 4-6 across South Australia. Schools can find out more and register today here.

Four time Olympian and Rio 2016 flagbearer Anna Meares knows the impact athletes can have on the next generation.

“Sport is such a great vehicle to engage with young people in really foundational areas,” Ms Meares said.

“Athletes know that failure is an important part of succeeding. You don’t always win, and you have to learn how to be successful, which can only come from trying new things. The only way you give yourself a chance is by trying.

“Taking athletes out of the TV and putting them in front of students is huge – it shows they’re a real person, talking face to face with young people to really engage on that personal level.

“I remember seeing Olympians on TV when I was younger and just being in awe. I grew up in a remote area and didn’t have any athletes come to our community, but knowing this program is going to remote and regional schools is fantastic.”

Education Minister John Gardner hopes the program can inspire students to find their passion in life, as well as enhance their understanding of the importance of resilience and hard work in helping people achieve their goals.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee to enable more schools across the state to take advantage of the Olympics Unleashed program, connecting students with these inspiring role models,” said Minister Gardner.

“The messages of goal setting, resilience and self-awareness translate to learning, engagement and achievement for our students and go beyond just sporting excellence.

“We expect hearing from aspiring and experienced Olympians will inspire more of our students to find their passion and stick with it.”

Australian Olympic Team Partner Optus are helping deliver the program around the country.

“We are delighted to see the Olympics Unleashed program extend to South Australia, as it is imperative these types of role models are visible to Australian school kids,” Optus Managing Director Marketing and Revenue Matt Williams said.

“There is no doubt we are looking forward to seeing our Australian athletes compete on the world stage at Tokyo 2020, but we’re equally as excited to see the Olympics Unleashed inspire the next generation and change the future they see.”

Find out more and register your school here.