The IFMA Athletes Commission proudly took part in the recent IOC Athletes Commission meeting, which brought together over 260 athlete representatives from around the world. IFMA was represented by its newly elected Athletes Commission Chair, Lennert Swart from South Africa. The event, an essential platform for athlete advocacy and engagement, featured opening remarks from IOC President Thomas Bach, who underscored the unifying power of sport and the Olympic Games.
Reflecting on the resounding success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, President Bach highlighted key achievements, including sustainability efforts, youth engagement, inclusivity, and the milestone of full gender parity. He emphasised that, in an increasingly polarised world, the Olympic Games remain a beacon of unity, with independent research demonstrating global appreciation for their role in bringing people together.
The meeting also addressed the future of the Olympic movement, with a strong emphasis on keeping athletes at the heart of decision-making. President Bach stressed the importance of maintaining the unity of the Olympic movement through shared values and political neutrality. He warned against external political influences that could compromise the universality and integrity of the Games.
One of the most forward-looking discussions centred on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports. AI presents exciting opportunities in talent identification, personalised training, injury prevention, fairer judging, and enhanced spectator experiences. However, President Bach emphasised that ethical implementation is crucial to ensure that technological advancements benefit all athletes, regardless of their country’s resources.
Athlete representatives actively participated in the meeting, raising critical questions on financial control for athletes’ commissions, direct application processes for IOC programs, and the long-term vision for Olympians. The IOC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring that athletes remain at the core of all decision-making processes.
This meeting reinforced the IOC’s unwavering dedication to athlete well-being, fair competition, and the continuous evolution of sports in the digital age. The IFMA Athletes Commission remains committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Muaythai athletes worldwide, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of international sport.
In addition, IFMA is proud to welcome once again the newly elected leadership of the Athletes Commission following the elections in January this year. Former Chair Janice Lyn has stepped down after years of dedicated service, making way for a new generation of athlete representatives. Lennert Swart has been elected as the new Chair, with Yolanda Schmidt (AUS), Ahmad Hilal (PLE), Laura Burgos (MEX), and Rebecca Hodl (AUT) serving as Vice Chairs. Their leadership will play a crucial role in guiding the commission forward, ensuring that Muaythai athletes continue to have a strong voice in the decision-making process.
Speaking about his new role and the importance of athlete representation, Lennert Swart shared,
“It is an incredible honour to lead the IFMA Athletes Commission and to represent our athletes on a global stage. We are committed to ensuring that every Muaythai athlete’s voice is heard and that we continue to push for progress in areas such as athlete welfare, development, and fair competition. I look forward to working alongside my fellow commission members to strengthen the connection between athletes and the leadership of our sport. Together, we can drive meaningful change.”
We congratulate Lennert and the entire Athletes Commission on their new roles and look forward to their contributions in shaping the future of IFMA and the global Muaythai community.
