Alistair Brownlee may have called time on his short-course career after winning gold in London and Rio, but he will maintain a close association with the summer Games after being elected to the European Olympic Committee (EOC) Athletes’ Commission.
The 33-year-old British star was elected at the 6th Assembly of the group in Croatia this week. He joins five other newcomers for a Commission which gives athletes a voice in key decision-making, and will also take a place on the British Olympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission.
Brownlee honoured by election
Brownlee said he was “honoured” to be elected, and went on: “I’d like to thank the Athletes’ Commissions of Europe for putting their faith in me and the BOA Athletes’ Commission for their support. I’m looking forward to working hard to represent Europe’s Olympic athletes.”
BOA Athletes’ Commission Chair Ben Hawes expects the two-time Olympic champion to continue the huge contribution he has made to Team GB and its Olympic history down the years.
He said: “As a double Olympic Champion Alistair made a huge contribution to Team GB and the Olympic movement and I have no doubt he will be an exceptional representative for the EOC in ensuring that athletes voices from around Europe are heard and recognised.”
The EOC Athletes’ Commission is composed of 10 members; six summer-sport athletes from previous Games and two winter-sport athletes from previous Games. The Executive Committee can also nominates two athletes.
Alistair heading back from injury
While Brownlee will maintain that close Olympic link with his new role, he is currently recovering from injury and looking ahead to a future at longer distances. He made a valiant bid to claim a spot on the Great Britain team for Tokyo, but his hopes were dashed by an ankle injury.
He underwent surgery on that ankle during the summer, and has recently been back on his bike as he continues his return to fitness. Notably he competed in Spain’s iconic Badlands gravel race last month, along with the British Gravel Championships.
