Taha AKGUL, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion, has been appointed as the new chair of the Turkish Olympic Committee’s (TOC) Athletes’ Commission. 

The 26-year-old Akgul will begin a four-year term which ends in 2021.

“I am extremely honored to be selected as the chair of the Athletes’ Commission and as a Member of the Executive Board, ” Akgul said. “The TOC is an organization where athletes are the primary focus of the work, and I have been aware of their support to athletes and efforts to spread Olympic spirit and culture in Turkey for many years.

“In my new position, I will be able to take an active role in addressing all the needs and expectations of both young and established athletes, and help them fulfil their amazing potential. This opportunity will allow me to directly contribute to their development and help them represent our country to the best of their ability in international competitions. ”

The Athletes’ Commission, which is comprised of 35 male athletes and 35 female athletes, gives Turkish athletes a platform for dialogue with the TOC. It also provides them the opportunity to act as role models to promote the Olympic values among Turkey’s youth and the wider population. 

“As an outstanding athlete with an Olympic and two World Championship gold medals, I believe that Taha Akgül will be a great success in the important task of representing and motivating young athletes,” said TOC president Uğur ERDENER. “Taha will also put a significant effort into encouraging National Federations in Turkey to establish an Athletes’ Commission of their own and bring athletes into the decision-making process. Athletes are at the center of the Olympic Movement and their voices need to be heard. It is great to see the IOC push for great female representation at the Tokyo 2020 Games as it is vitally important that in sport, like on the TOC’s Athletes’ Commission, women are given an equal voice and equal opportunity. I look forward to working closely with Taha and I wish to congratulate him on his new role.”