The International Federation of Athletics’ (World Athetics) Athletes’ Commission has undergone a casting change. French pole-vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, who was previously Chairman of the Commission but decided not to stand for re-election, has relinquished his seat to New Zealander Valerie Adams (photo above). The four-time shot put world champion, who was already vice-president of the commission, is moving up a notch. She will now be supported by Canadian Matthew Hughes, world finalist in the 3000 m steeplechase in 2017, who has just been elected vice-president. Both athletes will sit on the World Athletics Board. The Athletes’ Commission is made up of a maximum of 18 members. Six of them were elected, or re-elected, at the World Championships in Budapest last August. Six others were chosen by their peers at the World Championships in Eugene in 2022. Finally, the last six are nominated by the member federations and appointed by the Council, to ensure equal representation of the six continental confederations and the different event groups. Renaud Lavillenie, although he has relinquished the presidency, will remain a member for a further four-year term (2023-2027). The Athletes’ Commission currently comprises ten women and eight men, with at least two members from each confederation. The chairman and vice-chairman must be of different genders.
