Joël Bouzou OLY Modern Pentathlon | France
President

Sports Career

Joël Bouzou OLY is a French Olympian who competed in Modern Pentathlon at four consecutive Olympic Games between 1980 and 1992.

At the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games he won a Bronze Medal in the team event. Three-years later he added the World Championship title to his collection.

Sports Administration

Joël was first elected President of World Olympians Association in 2011, tasked with expanding and modernising the organisation. He was subsequently re-elected unopposed in 2015 and 2020.

Prior to joining WOA, Joël founded Peace and Sport under the Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco OLY, with the aim of building peaceful communities through sport. He is also a current Advisor to H.S.H. Prince Albert.

Joël has been awarded the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit, along with the French Gold Medal for Youth and Sports.

In 2010 he received a Diploma Honoris Causa in Humanities from the UN-mandated University of Peace in Costa Rica. He also received a Medal of Honour in 2012 from the Russian Federation's Ministry of Sports.

Anthony Ledgard OLY Cycling | Peru
Secretary General

Sports Career

Anthony is a Peruvian Olympian and former cyclist who took part in the 4000m Men's Individual Pursuit at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.

He is part of a proud Peruvian sporting dynasty, with his Grandfather Walter Ledgard Senior competing in Swimming at the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936, and Father – Walter Junior – following suit at Tokyo 1964.

Sports Administration

Anthony is Secretary General of the WOA, a position he has held since 2011. In that time, he has helped oversee the modernisation and growth of WOA.

Patrick Singleton OLY Luge & Skeleton | Bermuda
Treasurer

Sports Career

Patrick is a triple Olympian, having competed in Luge at Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002, before switching to Skeleton at Turin 2006. At each of these Olympic Winter Games he was Bermuda's sole representative. His Bermuda shorts, which he wore during the opening ceremonies, are stored at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Sports Administration

Patrick was elected WOA Treasurer in 2011 and has served as the WOA liaison on the IOC Athletes’ Commission since 2016. Patrick was key to the development of WOA’s OLY post-nominal letters, which was launched in 2017.

Patrick has previously sat on the Bermuda National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and has been President of the Bermuda Olympians Association since 2007. Patrick is also CEO of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

Mikako Kotani OLY Artistic Swimming | Japan
Vice-President and Board Member

Sports Career

Double Olympic Bronze Medallist Mikako Kotani competed in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games as a Synchronised Swimmer representing Japan. She was honoured as Japan’s flag bearer at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Mikako was a four-time National Solo Champion (1987-1990).

Sports Administration

Mikako joined the WOA Executive Committee in 2016 and in 2020 was named Sports Director of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She currently sits on the Executive Board of the Japanese Olympic Committee and the Olympians Association of Japan and is Chair the OCA Athletes’ Commission. Mikako was previously a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (1997-2000) and the IOC Coordination Commission for the Nagano Winter Olympic Games. She was Chair of the Olympic Council of Asia's Athletes' Committee from 1998-2006.

What Motivates You?

“I believe in the power of sport. I have seen first hand how Olympians gave power and inspiration to people and society after the terrible 2011 earthquake in the north-east of Japan. Through WOA I think we can encourage more Olympians to use their influence in the world, spread the Olympic Values and help people in need.”

Pernilla Wiberg OLY Alpine Skiing | Sweden
Vice-President and Board Member

Sports Career

Pernilla Wiberg is a Swedish former Alpine Ski racer, who competed on the World Cup circuit between 1990 and 2002. Pernilla has won two Olympic gold medals, four World Championships and one World Cup overall title; she is one of the most successful alpine ski racers of her generation.

Sports Administration

Pernilla has served on the WOA Executive Committee since 2011. She was an elected member of the IOC Athletes' Commission from 2002-2010, the IOC Ethics Commission from 2003-2010, and Chair of the FIS Athletes’ Commission from 1996-2000. She presently serves as Chair of the FIS Working Group for Alpine Technical Equipment, a role she has held since 2010, and is a board member of the Swedish National Olympians Association. Pernilla is also a Peace and Sport Champion for Peace, committed to serving peace in the world through sport.

What Motivates You?

“I like the idea of giving back to sport that has given me so much. WOA is a perfect organisation for that. More than 100,000 living Olympians fall under the umbrella of WOA. That is a big number and with that comes a big responsibility, which I am ready to take on. To inspire, to lead by example and to think globally, and act locally!”

El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba OLY Athletics | Senegal
Board Member

Sports Career

Amadou is a Senegalese Olympian who competed in the 400m Hurdles at three consecutive Olympic Games from Los Angeles 1984 to Barcelona 1992. He won an Olympic Silver Medal at Seoul 1988 with a personal best time of 47.23 seconds. He is a two time African Champion.

Amadou has also had a successful coaching career. As national coach of the Senegal men's 4x400m relay team (1993-1997) he oversaw the team's 4th place finish at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games. He then went on to coach the Saudi Arabian national team from 1997-2000, where he was tasked with reviving grassroots athletics.

Sports Administration

Amadou has previously been a Vice-President of WOA. He was re-elected to the WOA Executive Committee in 2020. He previously represented WOA on the IOC Athletes' Commission and was a member of the IAAF Athletes' Commission from 1993-1997. He has also held the role of President of the Senegalese Olympians Association.

Amadou is the current chair of the ANOCA Athletes’ Commission, Director of the IAAF Regional Development Centre and a Member of the Executive Board of the Senegalese National Olympic Sports Committee. Amadou was named Senegalese Sportsman of the Century in 2000.

What Motivates You?

“I am motivated by helping my fellow Olympians. I want to be of service to Olympians and empower them to make the world a better place, in line with the WOA mission. I am also focussed on ensuring NOAs in Africa are fully supported and our Olympians are well represented. I want to encourage the development of Olympians in Africa at all levels through increased education, training, funding and representation.”

Abeer Essawy OLY Taekwondo | Egypt
Board Member

Sports Career

Abeer competed for Egypt in Taekwondo at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens at the age of 17. She won Gold Medals in the 55-kg category at the African Championships in 2003 and 2005, three more Gold in two other weight categories in Africa Championships -57, -59 in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and remained undefeated in Africa until she retired. During her career she gained more than fifty National, International, Arab, Africa, and World medals and titles. During her career she gained more than fifty National, International, Arab, Africa, and World medals and titles.

Sports Administration

Abeer joined the WOA Executive Committee in 2020, becoming its youngest member. She is also a member of the Egypt Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission and has represented her country and a number of global sports summits. In 2012 she co-founded Egypt Sports Network. ESN is the leading digital sports platform in Egypt, focused on creating a strong sports-based community to generate interest in Olympic sports and celebrate the achievements of Egyptian athletes. Abeer now works as Radio Presenter and is the founder of a storytelling platform called Sportunity that uses the sports as a tool to advocate for the importance of equity and inclusion with the intention of creating a stronger & united community.

What Motivates You?

“As the youngest member of the Executive Committee and the first Egyptian to hold this position I am motivated to set an example to others about breaking barriers and to represent women and Africa on the global stage. I want to be part of normalising women in leadership in Africa and the whole world. I am also determined to address the challenges faced by all athletes around education and equal distribution of funding.”

Aliann Pompey OLY Athletics | Guyana
Board Member

Sports Career

Aliann is a four-time Olympian who competed for Guyana in Athletics at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games in the 400m. She has competed at 11 World Championships and won a Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She is the current 400m South American Record Holder (indoor).

Sports Administration

Aliann joined the WOA Executive Committee in 2020. She is the current President of the Panam Sports Athletes' Commission, having been a member since 2015, and has previously served as a member of the National Sports Commission of Guyana from 2015 -2020. In addition, she is an IOC Athlete Liaison, the President of the Metropolitan Collegiate Athletics Conference, a member of the Board of Trustees of Ocean Breeze, and in 2016 founded the Aliann Pompey Invitational (API), the premier international track and field competition in Guyana.

What Motivates You?

“I want to be an agent of change and contribute to the legacy WOA is creating for Olympians, particularly those in South America. Sport has been the centre of my life for a long time and I have had the privilege of competing at the highest levels. It has helped me become a conscious member of society and motivated me to better my community.”

Salvador Enrique Salguero Goodall OLY Swimming | El Salvador
Board Member

Sports Career

Salvador represented El Salvador in swimming at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, specialising in the 100m and 200m backstroke. He has also competed internationally at the Pan American Games and the Central American Games and was awarded best male athlete in El Salvador in 1983 and 1984.

Sports Administration

Since competing, Salvador has focussed on his education and career, gaining his MBA and working in telecommunications for a range of multinational companies. He is also a consultant in marketing and investment strategy and the founder of a local media company. In order to help athletes in his home country, Salvador established an elite athlete fund to support athletes financially. Salvador joined the WOA Executive Committee in October 2020.

What Motivates You?

“I feel privileged to be part of a global community of Olympians that strives to leave a lasting footprint in society. As a member of the WOA Executive Committee I want to attract more humans to do good for each other, to be a spark to motivate society and inspire people to act and work towards common goals so we can live in a better world. I believe it is our responsibility as Olympians to share and live by the Olympic Values.”

Malav Shroff OLY Sailing | India
Board Member

Sports Career

Dr Malav Shroff represented India in the 49er Class in Sailing at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. He has participated in a variety of world championships in many classes of sailboats and was the World Champion in the Albacore Class in 1999.

He also served as the coach of the Indian sailing team at the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games.

Sports Administration

Dr Shroff has been a member of the WOA Executive Committee since 2015, where, among other key roles, he has been instrumental in the landmark global study on Olympians' health. He is a member of the ANOC Medical Committee, President of the Asian Sailing Federation and sits on the Indian Olympic Association Executive Committee.

Dr Shroff has held many posts within World Sailing, including President of the International 49er Class Association (2005-2012) and sub-committee Chair of the Olympic Classes Commission (2005-2012).

He is a distinguished Rhodes Scholar from Oxford University with a specialisation in orthopaedic

What Motivates You?

“Olympians cut across a divided world and unite people and society through sports and health, two fundamentally important aspects of living a better life. As a WOA Executive Committee member I strive to make an impact by encouraging Olympians everywhere to make a difference in this world. By setting an example for society at large, and especially the youth of tomorrow, Olympians can inspire a better world.”

Igor Boraska OLY Rowing & Bobsleigh | Croatia
Board Member

Sports Career

Igor become the first athlete from Croatia to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Starting his Olympic career in Rowing, Igor first represented his nation at Atlanta 1996 before winning a Bronze Medal as a member of the men's eight at Sydney 2000. He then went on to qualify for Salt Lake City 2002 in the 4-man bobsled. Igor’s last Games were Athens 2004. Over the course of his successful career, Igor competed for the Croatian National Rowing Team from 1992 to 2008 and for the Croatian National Bobsleigh Team from 2000 to 2002. Igor was also part of a Croatian pair that won the first gold medal at the World Championships in any sport for the recently independent Croatia, at Indianapolis 1994.

Sports Administration

Following his sporting career, Igor oversaw sport and education for the City of Split in Croatia before being elected as a Council Member, serving two terms from 2009-2017. He also held the role of Vice-President and Executive Board member of the Croatian Olympians Association and President of the Split Sports Association between 2002 and 2016. He is currently President of the Croatian Skate Federation and President of the Croatian Olympic Committee's International Relations Commission. Igor joined the WOA Executive Committee in 2020.

What Motivates You?

“Being an Olympian means you have the power to positively influence society and help people, especially the younger generation, achieve their dreams. I am motivated to encourage Olympians to make a difference in this world. I believe WOA's projects and grants schemes can be a powerful tool to help communities worldwide and I will work with NOAs to help make their ideas a success.”

Natalie Cook OLY Beach Volleyball | Australia
Board Member

Sports Career

Natalie Cook is an Australian former professional beach volleyball player. A gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and bronze medallist at Atlanta 1996. Natalie was the first Australian woman to compete at five Olympic Games.

Sports Administration

Natalie has been a member of the WOA Executive Committee since 2016. In that time, she has been instrumental in representing not only the needs of Olympians in Oceania, but worldwide. Natalie is a successful motivational speaker and a vocal advocate for women in sport. She is also the Executive Director of Elite Success and Partnerships at the Queensland Academy of Sport with the vision to secure another home Olympics in Queensland for 2032.

What Motivates You?

“My goal is to support and provide opportunities for our global OLY family. Olympians have the power to change the world. Across a wide range of social issues - from the environment to tackling obesity - we can be spokespeople and role models to inspire change. Olympism is in my blood. I live the values of friendship, respect and excellence.”

Carl Probert OLY Swimming | Fiji
Board Member

Sports Career

Carl is a five-time Olympian in Swimming, who competed for Fiji at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona all the way through to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He is one of Fiji's most decorated athletes.

Sports Administration

Carl joined the WOA Executive Committee in 2016 as a representative of Oceania. In addition to his role on the global stage, Carl is actively involved with his NOC as the athlete representative on the Executive Board of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC). Additionally, he was elected in 2011 by his peers as the athlete representative on the Pacific Games Council.

What Motivates You?

“I am honoured to represent my country and region on the WOA Executive Committee. The Olympic Games hold a special place in society and Olympians have a responsibility, as leaders and role models, to spread the Olympic ideals through sport and help bring communities closer together.”

Chantal Brunner OLY Athletics | New Zealand
Board Member

Sports Career

Chantal is a two-time Olympian and represented New Zealand at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 in the Long Jump event. Throughout her successful career, Chantal set national records in both the long jump and 4x100m events and was a champion of New Zealand in the Long-Jump, 100m and 200m events on several occasions.

Sports Administration

Chantal is a respected and active sports administrator and has retained close ties to the Olympic movement in New Zealand and internationally. Chair of the NZOC's Olympians Commission,Chantal is also on the IOC’s Athletes Entourage Commission and on the Board of the International Testing Agency.

What Motivates You?

“Olympians are ordinary people who have worked hard and achieved the ultimate sporting goal of competing at the pinnacle of world sport - the Olympic Games. They have the ability to inspire ordinary people to take on challenges to better themselves and their communities.”

Janet Evans OLY Swimming | United States of America
Board Member

Sports Career

Janet is a champion swimmer who represented the United States of America at Seoul 1988, winning the 400m individual medley, the 800m freestyle and the 400m freestyle during which she broke her own world record. Janet also competed at Barcelona 1992 where she defended her 800m title and became the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic and world championship titles in any one swimming event.

Sports Administration

Janet has played an important and active role in sports administration in the United States of America and, as Vice-Chair of Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2028 Olympic Games, was influential in securing the country’s first Olympic Games since Atlanta 1996. Janet will continue to play a key role in the build-up to Los Angeles 2028 and provide a voice for Olympians as the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games Chief Athlete Officer.

What Motivates You?

“The OLY family is a fantastic community of inspirational Olympians who have an incredible amount to offer. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow WOA Executive Committee members to provide Olympians the tools and resources to unite their communities through sport and spread the Olympic values.”

Valérie Barlois-Leroux OLY Fencing | France
Board Member

Sports Career

Valérie is a champion in Fencing having won a gold medal as a member of the French fencing team at Atlanta 1996, where she also won a silver medal as an individual. Throughout her successful career Valérie was also a World Champion and champion of France on several occasions. Alongside her success in Atlanta, Valérie also competed at Sydney 2000.

Sports Administration

Valérie is the current President of the Association Française des Olympiens. In recent times, and as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games draws nearer, Valérie will play a crucial role in supporting French Olympians and Olympians around the world to ensure her home Olympic Games is enjoyed by all. Prior to this, Valérie enjoyed a successful career in the construction industry. In 1996, Valérie was honoured by the President of the Republic, Mr. Jacques CHIRAC who named her Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.

What Motivates You?

“Contributing in the best possible way by helping to make important advances for the Olympian Community through the influence of the values of Olympism. Working in the interest of others and not serving individual interest to unite the global Olympian community.”

Hong Zhang OLY Speed Skating | China
Board Member

Sports Career

Hong won China’s first ever long track speed skating Olympic gold medal at Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. After transitioning to speed skating at the age of 20 she enjoyed great success securing multiple World Championship medals in addition to her success in Sochi.

Sports Administration

As an active and distinguished sports administrator, Hong chairs the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 (2020-). She is also a member of the following IOC Commissions: the Athletes’ Commission (2018-), the Athletes' Entourage Commission (2018-), the Evaluation Commission for the Olympic Winter Games 2026 (2018-), the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games (2019-).

What Motivates You?

“I would like to help and improve the experience of young athletes by sharing my sporting experience. My life has been changed by the Olympic Games. I believe the power of the Olympic movement will influence more athletes to be stronger and achieve their dreams.”

Venuste Niyongabo OLY Athletics | Burundi
Board Member

Sports Career

Venuste is a former long and middle-distance runner who became the first Olympic medallist from Burundi by winning the 5000 meters at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Venuste also won a bronze medal at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg and a silver medal in the 1500m at the 1992 World Junior Championships.

Sports Administration

Venuste has a degree in physical education science and has worked for Nike, Inc. in sports marketing since June 2005.

What Motivates You?

“Enabling Olympians to be active in their communities after their sporting careers and educating them to be able to enter the world of work and supporting the WOA's goal of uniting the world through sport and promoting positive social change.”

Carlos J Santiago Alicea OLY Judo | Puerto Rico
Board Member

Sports Career

A keen sportsman from an early age practicing basketball, baseball, swimming and athletics, Carlos fell in love with the sport of Judo at the age of 12. His passion and talent took him to the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000 after competing in weightlifting and wrestling in college to a high standard.

Sports Administration

Carlos is a master educator of the Athlete365 career + programme and empowers athletes to maximise their education and employment opportunities. In 2012, Carlos was elected President of the Puerto Rico Athletes’ Commission and in 2015 he was elected to be part of the Panam Sports Athletes’ Commission serving as Interim President for one year. During this time, Carlos was appointed as America's liaison to the IOC Athletes’ Commission and participated in the ANOC Athletes’ Commission. He is currently also Secretary General of the Athletes’ Commission of Centro Caribe Sports.

What Motivates You?

“Empowering Olympians to be ambassadors and examples in society who are guided by the Olympic values. As Olympians, we owe ourselves to a community and our efforts serve as an example to the people who live in those communities. The WOA can empower Olympians to develop projects that benefit people living around the world.”

James Tomkins OLY Rowing | Australia
Board Member

Sports Career

James is a champion rower who participated in six consecutive Olympic Games between 1998 and 2008. He is one of Australia’s most decorated Olympians – winning three golds and one bronze medal over the course of his lengthy career.

Sports Administration

James has a wealth of experience in sports administration, joining the Australian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission in 2008 before going on to represent his fellow athletes internationally as part of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 2012. He sits on the WOA Executive Committee as the IOC Athletes’ Commission liaison.

What Motivates You?

“My main motivation is to keep Olympians connected to the Olympic Movement. Connectivity and legacy help with most community issues so my goal is to help reconnect all Olympians in any way they want so they can continue to make an impact.”