Astana, Kazakhstan, April 11, 2024: Olympic gold medallist Olga Rypakova has been elected as the new Chair of the Athletes’ Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan.
The London 2012 Olympics triple jump champion, who retired last year, was elected to the top position at a meeting of the Athletes’ Commission in Astana this week.
Other members on the Commission are Zhanbota Aldabergenova (freestyle skiing), Abzal Azhgaliev (short-track speed skating), Ruslan Kurbanov (fencing), Elmira Syzdykova (women’s wrestling), Ilya Golendov (rowing and canoeing) and Kamshybek Kunkabaev (boxing).
Kazakhstan NOC Secretary General Ms. Zhanar Utesheva said: “The Athletes’ Commission is an important function in the organisational structure of the NOC of Kazakhstan. The athletes’ voice is crucial in the decision-making process for both the International Olympic Committee and our NOC.
“Therefore, Mr. Gennady Golovkin, NOC President, himself a former Olympian, primarily instructed to adjust the work of the Athletes’ Commission in order to ensure it would not only be on paper for the sake of appearance but it would become a reliable support for the active athletes of the national teams."
Utesheva added: “Considering the main objective of the NOC is to strengthen international relations, we intend to develop activities of the Athletes’ Commission in this direction.”
Rypakova added: “During my career, I have managed to be both an athlete and coach. I know details from all sides. I am grateful to my colleagues from the Athletes’ Commission for their support by proving I will not be alone.
“I know from up-close that many athletes never believe their voices are important or heard. But we are here to build communication between all parties, being a voice for athletes to listen, help and arrange work in such a way that every athlete can feel protected,” Rypakova added.
In order to communicate effectively, the Athletes’ Commission plans to meet every month where all information about the IOC and NOC will be communicated directly to the athlete.
The NOC has promised to provide resources for the activities of the Athletes’ Commission.