WOA Patron HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco joins OLY ranks

23 | 11 | 2017

World Olympians Association Patron, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, has joined thousands of Olympians around the world in gaining OLY post-nominal status for his achievements as an Olympian.

His Serene Highness, who represented Monaco in bobsleigh at five consecutive Olympic Winter Games from Calgary 1988 to Salt Lake City 2002, was presented with his OLY Certificate of Recognition by WOA President Joël Bouzou at the Prince's Palace in Monaco this week.

Accepting the certificate under his athlete name of Albert Grimaldi rather than his full royal title, Prince Albert, who acted as flag bearer for Monaco at the 1988, 1994 and 1998 Games, noted his pride in being part of the global Olympian community.

“I feel proud and honoured to receive this certificate under my athlete name, Albert Grimaldi OLY. Like many other athletes I trained hard for many years before reaching the Olympic Games and becoming an Olympian,” said WOA Patron, Olympian and IOC Member, HSH Prince Albert II.

“As much as the goal, I treasured this journey, which taught me how to dedicate myself and build up an open-minded character. Therefore, I greatly support this initiative, which will promote the skills of many Olympians and help them find opportunities in society after the end of their sports career.”

Supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the IOC Athletes’ Commission, the OLY initiative has captured the imagination of Olympians the world over. Since its launch at the 8^th IOC International Athletes’ Forum in Lausanne earlier this month, more than 3,000 Olympians have registered to add the exclusive OLY designation to their names and the number continues to grow.

Serving as a symbolic recognition of an Olympian’s status in society, OLY promotes an Olympian’s social, charitable, and community-based work, acting as a reminder of their achievements and of their responsibility to embody the values of Olympism in everyday life.

Other high profile Olympians to have received OLY status include:

Thomas Bach OLY (Fencing, GER); Ato Bolden OLY (Athletics, TRI); Dame Kelly Holmes OLY (Athletics, GBR); Hayley Wickenheiser OLY (Ice hockey, CAN); Gary Hall Sr. OLY (Swimming, USA); Adam Peaty OLY (Swimming, GBR); Shiva Keshavan OLY (Luge, IND); Summer Sanders OLY (Swimming, USA); Sarah Walker OLY (Cycling - BMX, NZD), Nicole Hoevertsz OLY (Synchronised Swimming, ARU); and Hanae Ito OLY (Swimming, JPN).

To register and get your OLY recognition visit: https://olympians.org/olympians/oly/