IOC Athletes’ Commission candidate Eva Samkova vows to listen, represent and promote athlete interests

Olympic gold medallist and former World Champion, Eva Samkova, has vowed to continue to push ahead with her campaign to be elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) following the news she will not be able to attend Beijing 2022 due to injury.

Eva broke both ankles in December 2021 and had undergone surgery and rehabilitation in the hope of being ready for Beijing but last week confirmed it would not be possible. She has vowed to continue her campaign and believes strongly in what she can offer athletes as a representative on the Commission.

Eva said:  “Sport gives me a lot and plays an important role in my life. At the same time, I try not to take it too seriously – it is part of a healthy lifestyle that is meant to be pleasurable. I have always said that the most important moments of my life have also been the most difficult ones; this is certainly a difficult moment but I will heal and come back stronger. I am upset not to be able to travel to Beijing for the Olympic Winter Games but in my heart, I know this is the right decision. I will take the chance to enjoy the Olympics as a fan and I will be sending all my support to my fellow athletes.

I want to represent athletes, listen to their ideas and ensure they are brought to the IOC AC. I have learnt a lot and believe I have a lot I can offer not just from a sport perspective but also through my passion for ecology and supporting human development.

“The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of an athlete’s career and we all dedicate years of our lives to being there and competing at our best. But I have said that the Olympics are not the most important thing in the world. We also need to remember there is more to being an athlete than trying to win medals. That is why the IOC AC is so important, because it represents the interests of all athletes and supports them during and after their careers.

“I want to represent athletes, listen to their ideas and ensure they are brought to the IOC AC. I have learnt a lot and believe I have a lot I can offer not just from a sport perspective but also through my passion for ecology and supporting human development. However, I also know I have so much to learn from others and want to share athletes’ ideas so everyone feels they have a voice no matter their sport or nationality. As the Olympic motto says, we are Stronger Together and all athletes have a role to play in ensuring sport contributes to a better society.”

Eva is among ten female and seven male athletes from 17 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), six sports and five continents standing for the two vacant seats on the IOC AC. The voting opened on 27 January and runs through to 16 February.