- Jessica Fox has landed a new role
- She will become a member of the IOC Commission
- Fox was elected by her colleagues
Jessica Fox, Australia’s two-time gold medalist in Paris, is giving athletes a voice on the International Olympic Committee.
Canoeist Fox is one of four Olympians chosen by their peers on Thursday to represent athletes at the IOC for the next eight years.
Fox joins seven-time US gold medalist Allyson Felix, German gymnast Kim Bui and New Zealand tennis player Marcus Daniell as newly elected athletes.
The quartet was chosen from a list of 32 candidates. More than 6,500 athletes voted during the Olympic Games in Paris.
The IOC has up to 115 members, including members of royal families in Europe and Asia, a head of state – the Emir of Qatar – former heads of government, sports officials, former Olympic athletes and an Oscar-winning actress, Michelle Yeoh.
The duties of the members at the annual IOC meetings include approving candidates to be recommended as future Olympic hosts.
Jessica Fox has announced a new career move following her Olympic victory
The paddling sensation will fly around the world as part of her role within the IOC
As a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Fox does not receive a salary, but he does receive a number of benefits.
The IOC covers her expenses while she is working, including travel, accommodation and meals. Members also travel business class, while the IOC also pays for their spouses to travel business class.
The IOC has been criticized for the money it spends on its members, with opponents arguing that the nonprofit organization would be better off spending its money on developing the sport and supporting athletes.