ATHLETES’

COMMISSION
2023 ELECTIONS
CANDIDATES
2
LIST OF CANDIDATES
Valerie Adams (NZL) . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rilwan Mohamed Alowonle Jr (NGR) . 6

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
Lia Apostolovski (SLO) . . . . . . . . . 8
Samory Uiki Bandeira Fraga (BRA) . 10
Diego Garcia Carrera (ESP) . . . . . 12
Germán Chiaraviglio (ARG) . . . . . . 14
Adam Gemili (GBR) . . . . . . . . . . 16
Majd Ghazal (SYR) . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Renaud Lavillenie (FRA) . . . . . . . . 20
Halimah Nakaayi (UGA) . . . . . . . . 22
Airinė Palšytė (LTU) . . . . . . . . . . 24
Aisha Praught-Leer (JAM) . . . . . . 26
Su Bingtian (CHN) . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Jasmine Todd (USA) . . . . . . . . . . 30

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

3
 Why I am running for the election:
Since first picking up a shot put in a school sports
competition at the age of 14, athletics has been my
passion. The sport has hauled me out of poverty and
taken me all around the world to places unimaginable
as a girl growing up at the bottom of the world
in New Zealand. It has fed my soul and given me
mind-blowing opportunities, for which I’ll be forever
grateful.

For this reason, I have taken my role serving on the

World Athletics Athletes’ Commission very seriously.
To be able to represent the athletes’ concerns has
been a privilege, and I acknowledge that through
the Commission to finally be able to vote on World
Athletics Council decisions is something which
should never be taken for granted. The sport is
VALERIE nothing without its athletes.

ADAMS With more than 20 years competing on the

international stage, I recognise the unique appeal
NE W ZE AL AND of athletics. It is a wonderful, genuinely global sport
with so much to be gained from being a part of.
However, I also understand it needs to undergo
significant changes to retain engagement and its
MY O B JECTI VES : relevancy in the modern world.

TO BE A STRONG VOICE The sport should not therefore rest on its laurels,
FOR ALL ATHLETES and I believe by representing the athletes I can
contribute to its better future. As a recently retired
AROUND THE WORLD athlete I believe I have the best of both worlds
AND TO CONTINUE TO thanks to my innate knowledge of the sport but
also the fact I now have more time and energy to
GROW THIS AMAZING serve diligently in the role.
SPORT OF ATHLETICS. I’m proud of time with the Athletes’Commission.
We accomplished change and offered structured
feedback on a number of key subject matters, and
should I be re-elected I promise I - along with the
rest of the team - will continue to fight the necessary
battles on behalf of the athletes.

I will be both active and reactivate to help push

boundaries for the betterment of the sport.
Sometimes change is hard to implement, and you
need to be persistent, persevere and act ‘like a dog
with a bone’ in order to ensure changes are made.
Qualities I believe I demonstrated consistently
throughout my athletics career.

4
On a personal note, I’m also proud to play my part
in representing athletes in the Oceania region. I love
the fact athletics is such a global sport but I’m a huge L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
advocate of the Oceania athletes who consistently ENGLISH, TONGAN
punch above their weight to excel on the global
stage. As a New Zealander of Polynesian heritage
this is something of which I am immensely proud.

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
In summary, I believe passionately I have so much to
give to the role. For many generations decisions were SHOT PUT
taken without an athletes’voice. So, I’m enthused at
the thought of continuing the work we’ve put in place.
I believe another term on the Athletes’ Commission
would help further implement the changes we have TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
already made and ensure a smoother transition M E B EST:
before I step down and hand over the reins to the HARD WORKING
next generation of Commission members.
CARING
PASSIONATE
Sport career and athletics
achievements:
2008/2012 Olympic Gold, 2016 Olympic Silver,
2020 Olympic Bronze. 4x World Champion and
Indoor Champion. PB 21.24m

Professional Career:
Self Employed

Sport Administration:
World Athletics Athletes’ Commission, Oceania
Athletics Athletes’ Commission, Athletics New
Zealand Athletes’ Commission

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

5
 Why I am running for the election:
As fellow athletes who have dedicated our lives
to the sport of athletics, we know firsthand the
incredible commitment and sacrifices that go into
becoming a world-class competitor. Although every
single one of us invest countless hours and resources
into the sport, I have noticed that outside of the
Olympic Games, the sport of athletics is not given
the same level of support and recognition as other
major sports. I believe that for the sake of the sport
and to make justice to the efforts of the athletes,
this needs to change. That’s why I’m running for the
World Athletics Athletes’ Commission.

Athletics is the most viewed and popular sport in

the Olympics, and as such, I believe that popularity
should be sustained beyond the two weeks that
RILWAN occur every four years. As a member of the Athletes’
Commission, I will use my position to fight for the
MOHAMED athletes and ensure they receive the support they
deserve. For example, I plan to work on making

ALOWONLE JR competitions more accessible and engaging to the

fans, which will help grow the sport and generate
NIGERIA revenue.

I believe it is critical for this revenue to be shared

with the athletes who have worked hard to make
these competitions possible.
MY O B JECTI VES :
I WANT TO IMPROVE In addition to my athletic career, I work as a marketing
and strategy consultant for Deloitte, the largest
THE SUPPORT, professional services firm in the world. My background
RECOGNITION, AND as a consultant has given me the skills to think
FUNDING FOR ATHLETES strategically and develop creative solutions to
difficult problems. I will bring this expertise to the
BY INCREASING THE Athletes’ Commission and work with my fellow
SPORTS’ POPULARITY members to develop thoughtful solutions to improve
the sport of athletics.
BEYOND THE OLYMPIC
GAMES. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure:

• Better funding for athletes at all levels of the

sport

• Increased promotion of athletics as well as the

individual athletes to generate more interest and
support

• Greater support for athletes’ well-being, both

on and off the competition site

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• Improved and consistent facilities for
competition and training
L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Together, we can make athletics the sport it deserves ENGLISH
to be. Thank you for your consideration, and I ask
for your support in this election.

Empowering Athletes, Transforming Athletics: Join

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
the Athlete-Driven Campaign! ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
400M HURDLES,
4X400 RELAY
Sport career and athletics
achievements:
2018 Commonwealth Games 5th place finisher. TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
2018 All-African Championships 3rd place finisher M E B EST:
DETERMINED
Professional Career: OPEN-MINDED
Management Consultant
COMPOSED

Sport Administration:
N/A

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

7
 Why I am running for the election:
The candidacy to participate and work in the
Athletes’ Commission is for me a natural decision
as it is something that directly concerns me as an
athlete, as well as it is combining two of my biggest
interests: athletics and the study of law.

As an athlete I recognise the importance of the

establishment of the safeguarding mechanism, as a
consequence of many verbal, physical, sexual and
psychological abuses in sports. Athletes deserve
protection as well as education about the athletes’
rights.

More and more people are talking about health in

sports, and especially women’s health is becoming
a relevant issue. What was once a taboo is now

LIA a crucial part in the training process. Therefore

the importance of women’s health and sports

APOSTOLOVSKI gynaecology in (elite) sports is something that

deserves its voice. I strongly believe this voice
SLOVENIA should come from an athlete and a woman.

Coming from a small country, Slovenia, without a

tradition of a higher rank of international competitions
at home, I experience a difference in opportunities
MY O B JECTI VES :
to equally compete and collect world ranking points.
I WILL STAND FOR I will strongly advocate for equal opportunities for
THE SAFEGUARDING all athletes, regardless of the country of their origin,
to compete and collect world ranking points to
MECHANISM, EQUAL qualify for World championships, Olympic games,
OPPORTUNITIES TO Area championships, etc.

COMPETE, WOMEN’S As a young athlete I understand the struggle of the

HEALTH, SUPPORT OF transition from the junior to the senior category
and the importance of different kinds of support
TRANSITION FROM THE during this period. I myself come from an athletic
JUNIOR TO SENIOR family, who understand my love and devotion to
athletics, and provide support in difficult times.
CATEGORY, EDUCATION Unfortunately, I regularly notice that other talented
AND PROTECTION OF athletes have less of this support in their environment,
and I believe that adequate support outside of their
ATHLETES’ RIGHTS. primary environment is necessary and should be
properly organised.

8
In conclusion, I’m fully committed to safety in
sport aiming to educate and protect athletes
from harassment and abuse of all forms. I am ready L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
to dedicate my energy to raise awareness among SLOVENIAN,
groups that need special attention like youth, girls,
women and other vulnerable athletes.
ENGLISH

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
Sport career and athletics ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
achievements: HIGH JUMP
World Championships finalist (Oregon 2022),
European Championships finalist (Munich 2022),
European u23 bronze medalist (Tallinn 2021), 9th
TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
place European Indoor Championships (Torun 2021),
M E B EST:
national u23 records holder
DETERMINED
RELIABLE
Professional Career: EMPATHETIC
Professional athlete, slovenian armed forces - sports
unit, law student

Sport Administration:
N/A

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

9
 Why I am running for the election:
The athletes’ commission is an important body
within World Athletics and as such it should have
representatives from all the regions of the world.

I want to be a representative because I believe

South America needs a voice on the matters and
affairs of the administration and I also believe I can
be that voice to bring the concerns, suggestions
and issues of the athletes in the area.

SAMORY
UIKI BANDEIRA
FRAGA
BRA ZIL

MY O B JECTI VES :
BEING A VOICE AND
REPRESENTATIVE FOR
ALL ATHLETES THAT
LIVE IN SOUTH AMERICA.

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Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020). World Indoor PORTUGUESE,
Championship (Belgrade 2022)
ENGLISH AND
SPANISH

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
Professional Career:
Graduated in international relations with a double
minor in international business and political science. ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
LONG JUMP
Sport Administration:
Confederação Brasileira de Atletismo (CBAT) TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
M E B EST:
PERSEVERANCE
DISCIPLINE
PATIENCE

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

11
 Why I am running for the election:
Dear Colleague,

Thank you very much for reading these lines and

getting involved in the future of athletics.

My main goal is that nothing is left unsaid about what

athletes think. That the athletes’ voice is present in
the decision-making centers, because we athletes
are the main actors of this movie.

In recent years, we have seen how the aspirations of

many athletes have been blocked when participation
quotas, championships and even entire specialties
have been reduced.

It is no secret that events such as the 200m, the

DIEGO GARCIA
10,000m, the triple jump, the hammer throw or
the race walk are not in the future plans of many
advisors of our institutions.
CARRERA However, there are other ways to face suppression,
SPAIN to face the elimination of athletes from their habitat.
The transformation that athletics needs begins
by placing athletes at the center of the debate.
And from there it will be much easier to find a way
MY O B JECTI VES : forward together.
TO ENSURE THAT ALL I am committed to making the athletes’ voice heard.
ATHLETES HAVE A Best wishes,
PLACE IN THE NEW
Diego
ATHLETICS.

12
Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Olympic Diploma in Tokio2020. 2 times European ENGLISH, SPANISH
Medallist. 4 Participations at World Championships
(2015, 2017, 2019, 2022). Medallist at World
Championships U18 (2013) and U20 (2014)

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
20K RACE WALK
Professional Career:
Business Administration and Management Graduated.
Master Degree in Financial Markets. Professional TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Music Conservatory Graduated M E B EST:
PASSIONATE
Sport Administration: NONCONFORMIST
Experience as Sports Director in Finetwork Madrid
FAIR
Marcha, World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold
meeting (Madrid, Spain. 2022, 2023)

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

13
 Why I am running for the election:
As a passionate athlete and lover of track and
field, I believe it would be an honour and a great
responsibility to contribute to the development
of our sport from an athlete’s perspective. I am a
passionate athlete and lover of track and field. My
specialty is pole vaulting, and I have had the honour
of competing in three Olympic Games, four World
Championships of Athletics, and four Pan American
Games. Additionally, I have been actively involved
in my sports community, from organizing events to
leading activities in my Olympic Committee Athletes
Commission. With my experience and commitment, I
believe I can be a valuable contributor to the World
Athletics Athletes’ Commission and help represent
the voices of athletes from all regions.

GERMÁN My interest in being a part of the Athletes’

Commission stems from my desire to represent
CHIARAVIGLIO and defend the interests of my fellow athletes, to be
an active agent in the development and promotion
A RGENTINA of policies and programs that benefit our athletes,
and to collaborate with the organization to ensure
that athletes have a voice and are heard at all levels
of decision-making.
MY O B JECTI VES :
Furthermore, I am motivated by the values promoted
STRENGTHEN THE VOICE by World Athletics, such as excellence, respect,
OF ATHLETES WITHIN integrity, and solidarity. I firmly believe that, as
athletes, we have a unique responsibility and valuable
THE ORGANIZATION perspective that can contribute significantly to the
AND BRING SOUTH organization’s mission and vision.
AMERICAN ATHLETES Moreover, as a South American athlete, I have a
CLOSER TO WORLD particular interest in representing the voice of
my region on the Athletes’ Commission. As you
ATHLETICS. know, our region has produced numerous World
and Olympic champions in track and field, but we
also face unique challenges in terms of resources,
infrastructure, and support. I believe I can provide a
valuable perspective on these issues and collaborate
with the organization to design and implement
programs that help our athletes reach their full
potential.

14
In summary, I believe that my education, experience,
commitment, and motivation make me an ideal
candidate to be part of the World Athletics Athletes’ L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Commission and to represent the voice of South SPANISH,
American athletes. I appreciate the opportunity to
present my candidacy and remain available to provide
ENGLISH, ITALIAN,
any further information or answer any questions. PORTUGUESE.

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
Sport career and athletics ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
achievements:
POLE VAULT
Finalist, Rio 2016 OG in the Pole Vault Event.
Finalist, World Athletics Championships- Beijing,
China, 2015. Silver Medal, Pan Am
TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
M E B EST:
Professional Career: RESILIENCE
IAAF Level 1 Coaches Education & Certification PASSION
System. 2012, Mar del Plata, Argentina. Diploma in EMPATHY
Crypto- Economics, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies
& Smart C ontracts.2019, ITBA

Sport Administration:
Diploma in Sports Management, UGR (Universidad del
Gran Rosario). Diploma in Sports Entity Management,
ʼn Fundación Leo Messi” . 2016 Facultad de Derecho

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

15
 Why I am running for the election:
It would be a great privilege to represent athletes,
influence the culture and to continue to push for
change within World Athletics, ensuring that athletes
are at the heart of everything we do.

I am super passionate about giving athletes a voice

and will always work to make sure that we are
prioritised. I am a highly organised, efficient and
proactive individual who is also transparent and
accountable, which I feel are important qualities
for someone in this role.

I believe that sport should always be athlete-driven

and would love the opportunity to make sure this
happens. I am a critical thinker who will aim to find
the best solutions to constantly improve, grow and

ADAM deliver the best services for people. I will always

fight for what I believe in, act with integrity and

GEMILI will not hesitate to speak up if I see an injustice

or something I do not believe is beneficial to my
G R E AT B RITAIN & fellow athletes.

N OT HERN IREL AND I have been lucky enough to be a professional athlete

in this sport for 11 years, spanning three Olympic
Games and can offer a wealth of experience and
knowledge. I have had the privilege of working with
M Y O B JECTI VES : many athletes, coaches and governing bodies across
REPRESENT THE VOICE multiple generations; helping me to understand
how to engage and respond accordingly to people
OF THE ATHLETE regardless of background, culture, age or gender.
MAKING SURE Over the years, many of my peers have trusted
ATHLETES’ INTERESTS me to be the bridge between the Governing Body
ARE ALWAYS PUT FIRST and Athlete. In my current position for the British
Olympic Association Athletes Commission, I have
WHILST HELPING BUILD had influence in helping Team GB take athletes to
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. I have
been given this amazing opportunity to share a talent
FOR OUR SPORT. I have dedicated my career to building and I would
love to continue to help influence and shape the
sport going forwards, both during and post-career.

16
A motto that I live by is, “talent is nature and character
is choice”. It is the role models in early life who you
look up to that can both inspire and nurture your L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
passions in life. I have been given this amazing ENGLISH
opportunity to share a talent I have dedicated my
career to building and it is in my character to want
to give back and nurture the future of our sport.

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
Thank you for your consideration.
100M, 200M, 4X100
Yours Faithfully
RELAY
Adam

TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Sport career and athletics M E B EST:
achievements:
DILIGENT
World Junior Champion 100m, 4x European FRIENDLY
Championship Gold 200m - 4x100m, 2x
Commonwealth Silver 100m - 4x100m, World RELIABLE
Championships 4x100m 1x Gold 1x Silver 1x
Bronze, 4th Olympic Games 200m, 4th & 5th World
Championships 200m

Professional Career:
N/A

Sport Administration:
BOA Athletes Commission 2016 - present, UKA
Athletes Commission 2020 - present, The Athletes
Association Sprint Representative 2020 - present

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

17
 Why I am running for the election:
Being one of the players of the countries that want
to develop the game of athletics in their country, and
this geographical area and the countries around it
need a lot of technical, administrative and technical
work and scientific sports development to raise
its level, starting from children’s sports in athletics
and spreading it to the advance levels of players.

Where my presence in this committee helps convey

all the difficulties, obstacles and ideas that impede
the work of these countries, as well as informing
them of everything new in the world of athletics
and International Federation, which helps in the
development and work of cadres and players.

Find ways to increase the number of members of

MAJD this game in these countries through their love and

knowledge of the heroes of this game in the country.

GHAZAL
SYRIA

M Y O B JECTI VES :
SEEKING TO DEVELOP
AND SPREAD THE
CULTURE OF ATHLETICS
IN THE PRESENCE
OF THE DIFFICULTIES
AND OBSTACLES IT IS
EXPOSED TO.

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Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Bronze medal World Championships 2017 ARABIC, ENGLISH

Professional Career:

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
Sports HIGH JUMP

Sport Administration:
TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Player M E B EST:
PERSEVERANCE
PATIENCE
NEVER GIVE UP

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

19
 Why I am running for the election:
I am the Chair of Athletes’ Commission since end of
2019, it has been very interesting and instructive
to be involved in many different processes.

Putting the athletes in the main stage of our sport

has always been important for me and that’s why I
want to be able to follow this investment I’ve started
with World Athletics since almost 4 years.

I have learned the different political processes in

order to know how better we can work as a team
to keep pushing athletes’ priorities in the different
discussions.

RENAUD
L AVILLENIE
FRANCE

MY O B JECTI VES :
FOLLOW THE WORK WE
HAVE DONE THE LAST 4
YEARS TO REPRESENT
THE ATHLETES VOICE AT
THE BEST.

20
Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Olympic Champion 2012, World Record (2014-2020) FRENCH, ENGLISH

Professional Career:

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
All Star Perche Meeting Director since 2016 POLE VAULT

Sport Administration:
TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
World Athletics Athletes’ Commission Chair (2019- M E B EST:
2023)
AMBITION
DETERMINATION

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

21
 Why I am running for the election:
Athletics is part of my life.

I have loved athletics since I was a child, so athletics

has taught me very many things like how to set
goals, and how to reach your dreams. Athletics has
taught me how to deal with a win and how to deal
a loss so I have gone through a lot as an athlete.

Therefore I feel the responsibility to stand up for

the needs of other athletes and raise the athletes’
voices as well as to defend our rights: especially
African Female athletes.

I want to motivate the young generation to start the

sport at an early age. It is my desire to encourage
everyone to fall in love with athletics and become

HALIMAH more active in the running community by getting

involved in physical skills to gain more confidence.

NAK A AYI Therefore I will be very grateful if you vote for me.

UGANDA

M Y O B JECTI VES :
TO UNITE ATHLETES’
AND TO RAISE THE
ATHLETES’ VOICE.

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Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
I started athletics at age 7. I earned a sports ENGLISH, SWAHILI,
scholarship through all formal education till the
end of my University studies. In 2010, I competed LUGANDA, AND
in my first major competition at the youth olympics LUSOGA

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
in Singapore.

I won a gold medal at the Isle of man in the UK

youth commonwealth games in 2011. I am a 2-time ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
Olympic qualifier. I have competed in 3 world
championships including one gold medal in Doha 400M, 800M, AND
2019 and one bronze medal at the 2022 world 1500M
indoors in Belgrade.

TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Professional Career:
M E B EST:
Middle distance INTELLIGENT
DETERMINED
Sport Administration: CARING
I have been a Ugandan female athletics representative
3 times, and 3 times national team captain.

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

23
 Why I am running for the election:
Dear Athletes,

My name is Airinė Palšytė, and I’m a three-time

Olympian, European high jump champion and
medallist, and ten-time National champion. I stand
before you as a candidate for the World Athletics
Athletes’ Commission, driven by a strong belief:
TOGETHER, WE CAN TRANSFORM OUR SPORT!

I’m here for one simple reason: I WANT TO MAKE

SURE WE’RE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR. My
GOAL is to champion CLEAN SPORTS, FAIRNESS
in competition, and EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES for
every athlete around the globe.

If you ELECT ME, I’ll focus on three areas closest

AIRINĖ to my heart:

• STRENGTHENING GLOBAL REPRESENTATION

PALŠY TĖ AND COMMUNICATION: We all deserve to be
heard, no matter where we’re from. I’ll strive to
L IT HUANIA amplify our voices in decision-making processes
and enhance transparency and understanding
within our sport’s ecosystem.

M Y O B JECTI VES : • BOOSTING THE PUBLIC IMAGE OF

ATHLETICS: Let’s show the world that our sport
I AM COMMITTED TO isn’t just about competition; it’s about the human
LIFTING OUR VOICES IN spirit, resilience, and dedication. I’ll work hard
ATHLETICS DECISION- to reshape the public perception of athletics,
inspiring the next generation and gaining more
MAKING, PROMOTING support for us.
AND IMPROVING • PROMOTING ANTI-DOPING INITIATIVES:
FAIR COMPETITION, Let’s protect the integrity of our sport! I’ll
AND BOOSTING OUR prioritize education about the risks of doping,
encouraging clean athletics, and pushing for
SPORT’S GLOBAL IMAGE changes in the future to ensure fair play.
- TOGETHER, WE CAN Just like you, I’ve savoured the thrill of victory
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! and learned from disappointments. I’ve trained
relentlessly, and I’ve stood on the podium. But
above all, I understand our need to be HEARD,
UNDERSTOOD, and have our rights PROTECTED.

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I’m not here for personal glory. I’m here because
I believe in US, in our collective power to bring
change in athletics. Your vote for me is a VOTE L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
for a shared vision of PROGRESS and FAIRNESS. LITHUANIAN
Let’s come together; let’s shape the future of our (NATIVE), ENGLISH
sport. I’m Airinė Palšytė, and I’m ready to be your (PROFESSIONAL
voice at World Athletics Athletes’ Commission!

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
WORKING
I appreciate your consideration. PROFICIENCY),
Yours in sport, RUSSIAN (LIMITED
AP WORKING
PROFICIENCY),
SPANISH (BASICS)
Sport career and athletics
achievements:
European Indoor Champion 2017, ECH vice-
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
champion 2016, EICH bronze medalist 2019,
3x Olympian (London, Rio, Tokyo), 2x World HIGH JUMP
Championships finalist, 10 x National Champion

TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Professional Career: M E B EST:
BA degree from Vilnius University (Business RESILIENT
Information Management), MA (ongoing) degree
from Vilnius University (Marketing and Integrated
DETERMINED
Communications) AMBITIOUS

Sport Administration:
Vice-President at National Athletes’ Association
(2021 - present)

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

25
 Why I am running for the election:
I am here for you!

In my first four-year term as a member of the Athletes

Commission I advocated fervently for athletes:
demanded the reestablishment of all Diamond League
disciplines, worked to freeze athletes’ World Rank
through Covid-19 Pandemic, pushed WA to provide
financial aid for athletes through the pandemic and
provided honest feedback to put athletes FIRST. I
have proven myself to my colleagues on the Athletes
Commission and World Athletics staff members as a
person who speaks up, without hesitation but with
great thought and perspective, when it comes to
protecting athletes rights, experience and fair play.
I believe Athletics can and will return as one of the
most popular global sports, but you can count on
AISHA me to never value innovation above an athletes’
earning potential.
PRAUGHT-LEER I take pride in going above and beyond the normal
JA MAICA course of duty. Having served on the Human
Rights Working Group, we created a framework and
recommendations for World Athletics to protect
and recognize human rights in sport. All of our
MY O B JECTI VES : recommendations were accepted and applied.

TO GROW THE SPORT IN Additionally, I currently serve on the World Plan

A WAY THAT CENTERS Working group to implement a long-term vision
to catapult Athletics to a larger global stage with
ATHLETES’ RIGHTS, more fans, more participation, and hopefully more
EARNING POTENTIAL money in the Athlete pocket.

AND FAIR PLAY. Vote for me and I will continue putting you first!

26
Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Commonwealth Games Gold (Steeple), Pan Am ENGLISH
Silver (1500m), 7x National Teams, 2x Olympian, 5x
National Record Holder, Olympic and World Finalist

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
Professional Career: 1500M, 5000M
10 years as a professional athlete

TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Sport Administration: M E B EST:

WA Athletes Commission elected member 2019-

HONEST
2023. Served on the Human Rights Working Group, PERSISTENT
Footwear Working Group and currently serving on
the World Plan Working Group
PRINCIPLED

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

27
 Why I am running for the election:
I have spent almost 20 years of my life on the track
since my first athletic training. Athletics has always
been my love, passion and dream. In the past 20
years, athletics taught me not only never to give up
and always chase your dreams, but also how to be
brave, humble, inclusive and open-minded. When
I broke the Asian record of men’s 100m (9.83s) at
the Tokyo Olympics and became the first Chinese
athlete ever entered into the men’s 100m final at
the Olympics at the age of 33, the excitement, joy
and honor I felt were beyond words. It encouraged
countless Chinese and Asian athletes and again
proved that nothing is impossible as long as you
never give up.

Athletics is undoubtedly my life-long career. It has

SU brought me so much and I am eager to make more
contributions to the development of athletics around
BINGTIAN the world. Except for a professional athlete, I am also
Vice President of the Chinese Athletics Association
CHINA and Associate Professor at the Jinan University. In
addition, I also had the honor to work as a member
of World Athletics Athletes’ Commission from 2019
till now. In these positions, I tried hard to make the
MY O B JECTI VES : voices of the athletes heard, consider the interests
BE THE VOICE OF THE of the athletes during the decision-making process,
and provide conducive suggestions so as to improve
ATHLETES, PROTECT good governance, regional balance, gender equity,
THE RIGHTS OF THE youth participation, mass participation, and clean
sport in athletics.
ATHLETES, PROMOTE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF With a strong sense of responsibility, if I had the
honor to be a member of the Athletes’ Commission, I
ATHLETICS AND BRING would fully commit myself to it and spare no efforts
POSITIVE CHANGES TO to be the voice of the athletes, protect the rights of
the athletes, promote the development of athletics,
THE SOCIETY WITH THE and bring positive changes to the society using the
POWER OF ATHLETICS. power of athletics.

Dear athletes, we are at the core of athletics, and

let us use the power of the athletes to make the
future of our sport better and brighter.

28
Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Asian Record holder of Men’s 100m (9.83s). Asian CHINESE, ENGLISH
Record holder of Men’s 60m (6.42 s). The first
Chinese to enter Men’s 100m final at the Olympic
Games. The first Asian to reach the 100m final at

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
the World Championships. The first local Asian ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
runner to break the 10-second barrier. Olympic
Games: 1×Bronze (2021), 2×Top 8 (2016, 2021).
100M, 60M, 4X100
World Championships: 1×Silver (2015), 3×Top RELAY
8 (2017, 2019). World Indoor Championships:
1×Silver (2018), 2×Top 8 (2014, 2016). World
Cup: 1×Silver (2018). Asian Games: 3×Gold (2010,
2014, 2018), 1×Silver (2014), 1×Bronze (2018). TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
Asian Championships: 3×Gold (2011, 2013, 2015), M E B EST:
1×Silver (2009), 1×Bronze (2013) RESILIENT
PERSISTENT
Professional Career: MOTIVATED
2007 - present: Athlete of the Guangdong Provincial
Team. 2009 - present: Athlete of the Chinese
Athletics Team. 2017 - present: Associate Professor,
School of Physical Education, Jinan University. 2021
- present: Director, Su Bingtian Speed Research
and Training Center, Jinan University

Sport Administration:
2019 - present: Member, Athletes’ Commission,
World Athletics. 2022 - present: Vice President,
Chinese Athletics Association. 2019 - 2022:
Executive Committee Member, Chinese Athletics
Association. 2019 - 2022: Deputy Director, Athletes’
Commission, Chinese Athletics Association. 2021
- present: Vice President, Guangdong Provincial
Athletics Association

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

29
 Why I am running for the election:
If there’s only one thing you need to know about
me, it’s that I love track and field.

Either on the track or as a spectator, I’m a passionate

supporter of all things track and field.

I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum when it

comes to athletics. I have held contracts and won a
medal while also having zero resources that meant
that I had to work harder and put in extra effort
to succeed.

I’m committed to doing everything I can to protect

and support you. I will always fight to protect your
best interests to ensure you reach your optimum
performance. Whether it’s something as big as rule

JASMINE changes, or making sure major meeting schedules

work well for your performance, my priority will be

TODD to ensure you have the opportunity to reach your

greatest potential.
USA I’m not afraid to use my voice to elevate yours. I
believe that through clear communication, integrity,
and keeping the athletes first will help grow our
sport to reach the potential we all know it has.
MY O B JECTI VES :
It is for these reasons, I ask that you vote for me.
TO ALWAYS PROTECT
THE ATHLETES AND
HELP MOVE OUR SPORT
FORWARD.

30
Sport career and athletics
achievements: L ANG UAG ES S POKEN:
Long Jump PB: 6.84m, 100m PB: 10.92, 2015 ENGLISH
4x100 Silver Medalist, Made World Championships
in 2015 and 2019.

As outlined in the Athletes’ Commission Nomination Form, the contents of this document have been solely written and provided by the respective candidate. Its contents have not been edited in terms of content and merely received editorial revisions for readability and design purposes.
ATH L ETICS DIS CIPL INES :
Professional Career: LONG JUMP, 100M
USATF women’s long jump runner up 2019,
represented Team USA in 2019.
TH R EE WOR DS TH AT D ES CR IB E
M E B EST:
Sport Administration: DETERMINED
I have been a part of USATF AAC Leadership for EMPATHETIC
women’s short sprints 2020-present.
STRAIGHTFORWARD

THE ATHLETES’
VOICE MATTERS.
USE YOURS.
VOTE.

31
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