The “Fit for the Future” consultation gives athletes the chance to help IOC President Kirsty Coventry shape her vision for the Olympic Movement. Hear from IOC Athletes’ Commission members on why you should get involved.
Athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement, and the “Fit for the Future” consultation gives you the opportunity to have your say on its future.
From shaping upcoming Olympic Games and developing support for you and other athletes to improving the IOC’s place in wider society, your answers are crucial.
To understand just how important the consultation is, we spoke to IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) Chair Emma Terho and members Humprey Kayange, Jessica Fox and Pau Gasol, who highlight why eligible athletes should take part.
Why do you think athletes should take part in Fit for the Future?
Emma: Athletes are the heart of the Olympic Movement. To shape the future around them and ensure that the Movement is strong for future generations, we need to know the thoughts of today’s athletes.
Humphrey: This consultation is our chance to shape the system we live in. If we want a future that truly reflects our voices, values and realities, we must contribute to the conversation now.
Jessica: It’s a new era in the Olympic Movement. As President Coventry begins her tenure, it's an opportunity to share in and shape what’s next.
Pau: The Olympic Movement only fulfils its purpose when it serves athletes and society. Fit for the Future can help us protect mental and physical health, ensure clean sport, advance equality and make the Games sustainable and accessible. Let’s use this moment to lead.
How important is it for athletes to share their voice on the future of the Olympic Movement?
Emma: The whole Movement is centred around athletes. You know today’s situation, opportunities and challenges better than anyone, so it’s vital that you use your voice.
Humphrey: Every decision that shapes our sports impacts athletes first. The opportunity to share our voices will guide the future across all topics, from safeguarding to athlete pathways, innovation and integrity.
Jessica: It’s crucial that we share what is important to us, what we are passionate about, and what we need in terms of support before, during and after the Games. We are the present and the future of the Olympic Movement, and together we can make a difference.
Pau: Without athletes, there are no Games. Their experiences, challenges and perspectives are essential to shaping a more relevant and inclusive future for sport. Our voices can shape the Games in ways that would not be possible otherwise.
Can you give an example of when the athletes’ voice has created positive change?
Emma: If we look back at Paris 2024, there was a family space for parent athletes and the Mind Zone for athletes to relax. The Champions Park was created to celebrate medal winners and host medal reallocation ceremonies. All of these were ideas that first came from athletes.
Humphrey: The athletes’ voice helped bring my sport, rugby sevens, to the Olympic Games. We created history by speaking with passion and purpose as we found our place on the world’s biggest stage.
Jessica: Within my sport, all the female athletes lobbied together for gender equality, and we finally achieved it at Tokyo 2020 – a big part of that was using our athlete voice to garner the support of the National and International Federations. It was a very proud moment to know I played a role.
Pau: We’ve seen in recent years that speaking up consistently leads to tangible change – from better services in the Olympic Village to open conversations about workload. Athlete input doesn’t solve everything overnight, but it raises standards. Using our voice builds a culture of well-being and integrity that benefits everyone.
What would you say to athletes who are unsure about taking part?
Emma: There is nothing to lose. Taking part doesn’t take much time, and it’s our responsibility to make things as good as possible for ourselves and for future generations.
Humphrey: Your voice and your experience matter, and you don’t need to be an expert to contribute. We are all unique, so please share your perspectives, big or small, and help shape our future.
Jessica: It's a great opportunity – the IOC wants to know what you think, so have your say and make it count!
Pau: Every athlete’s journey is different, and that diversity of experience is what makes our community stronger. When we all contribute, that collective voice can shape real change. Speaking up takes minutes, but the impact can last forever.
If you’re an active or retired Olympian or elite athlete who has competed in international competition – have your say in “Fit for the Future” now
