Six athletes elected onto the BOA's Athletes' Commission

Six athletes have been appointed onto the British Olympic Association’s (BOA) Athletes’ Commission after voting closed on the election of new members.

Adam Gemili (Athletics), James Rodwell (Rugby Sevens), Joanna Rowsell Shand (Cycling), Lizzie Simmonds (Swimming), Lizzy Yarnold (Skeleton) will all join the Commission for the first time in the New Year while Katherine Grainger (Rowing) is re-elected.

In total, over 800 eligible Olympians and potential Olympians voted in the election with 18 athletes standing for the six positions.

Of the existing Commission, six members’ terms were set to draw to a close in December. Grainger, Heather Fell and Christian Malcolm stood for re-election while James Cracknell, Kate Richardson-Walsh and Leon Taylor will stand down from their position at the end of the year.

The Athletes’ Commission is made up of 14 members including Chair Ben Hawes and the IOC Athletes’ Commission representative Adam Pengilly.

The Commission, which was created in 2010 to bring the perspective and expertise of Olympic athletes to the many initiatives and programmes operated by the BOA, ensures that the athlete is at the heart of everything the organisation does.

Athletes’ Commission Chair Ben Hawes said: "The elections have been a great success with a record number of athletes voting on who they want to represent them on the Athletes’ Commission. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the new members and also a return for Katherine, who will continue to be a valuable asset to the group.

"Having a broad range of sports, experiences and viewpoints is hugely important in helping deliver for the athlete community and we now look forward to contributing to the success of Team GB at PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

"A huge thank you also goes to those athletes who will depart the Commission at the end of the year. Their enthusiasm and passion for Team GB and Olympic sport has been invaluable over the past four years and their contribution to our efforts is greatly appreciated."

BOA’s Athletes’ Commission 2017-2020:

Chair: Ben Hawes (Hockey)

IOC Athletes’ Commission: Adam Pengilly (Skeleton)

Eric Boateng (Basketball)

Jon Eley (Short Track Speed Skating)

Adam Gemili (Athletics)

Sarah Gosling (Sailing)

Katherine Grainger (Rowing)

Claire Hamilton (Curling)

Nathan Robertson (Badminton)

James Rodwell (Rugby Sevens)

Joanna Rowsell Shand (Cycling)

Goldie Sayers (Athletics)

Lizzie Simmonds (Swimming)

Lizzy Yarnold (Skeleton)

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