Olympian elected Canadian NOC President

2 | 12 | 2015

Four-time Olympian and Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games silver medallist Tricia Smith has been elected to the highest echelon of Canadian sport as she embarks on her new role as President of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).  Tricia will have her fellow athletes at heart as she seeks to make her election manifesto a reality.

Elected on a platform focusing on leadership, sport and funding, Smith has already stated her intention to put the focus back on Canada’s athletes. She is also known for her work championing women’s rights within rowing as well as for her efforts as an anti-doping campaigner. During her campaign Smith pledged to create a safe and inclusive environment for all those involved in the Olympic Movement in Canada and to be an advocate for unity, inclusiveness and collaboration.

Smith, who won an Olympic silver medal in the coxless pairs at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, is a well respected leader in the Olympic Movement. Following her retirement from competitive rowing, she spent almost 30 years working tirelessly for sport at a national and international level. In 2009 she was elected vice-president of the COC; in 2013 she also became vice-president of FISA – the International Rowing Federation - and in 2014 was appointed as a member, representing athletes, on the board of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Speaking following her appointment as President of the COC, Tricia Smith said in a statement:

"I feel enormously privileged and grateful that our sport community has entrusted me with the leadership of the COC. It's an honour I accept with pride and gratitude.”

WOA President, Joël Bouzou, said:

“It’s wonderful to have an Olympian elected to such a prominent position within the Olympic Movement. Not only has Tricia proved herself as an exceptional athlete, she is also an excellent example of an Olympian who has chosen to give back to sport through her energetic work in sport administration both in Canada and around the world.

“As an Olympian she is truly engaged with athlete activities and her appointment as President of the COC will allow her to ensure the interests and welfare of Olympians are well represented. We are thrilled for Tricia and wish her all the best for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Tricia Smith was made interim President of the COC in October after her predecessor Marcel Aubut left the post. She was formally elected to the position on 22 November.