American ice hockey Olympic champion Angela Ruggiero was elected as the new chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Athletes’ Commission.
She replaced outgoing Chair Claudia Bokel. IOC President Thomas Bach officially appointed Angela Ruggiero at a joint meeting between the IOC Athletes’ Commission and the IOC Executive Board on August 1, 2016 following a vote by the members of the Commission. Tony Estanguet was in turn elected as vice-chair.
Angela Ruggiero is the current vice-chair of the Commission, which acts as the voice of the athletes within the IOC and the Olympic Movement, and is a former ice hockey player who has played more games for Team USA than any other man or woman.
“Congratulations to Angela Ruggiero on her successful election,” said President Bach. “We will welcome her to the IOC Executive Board. I am sure that, with her determination and her great experience, she will make a huge contribution.
After the meeting, Angela Ruggiero said, “I am grateful for the trust my fellow IOC Athletes’ Commission members have put in me and my work. It is an important time within the Olympic Movement and our Commission has a great responsibility. I will make sure our voices aren’t just heard, but that they are effective and that we empower athletes around the world to do the same.”
After four years at the helm of the Commission, Claudia Bokel will see her term of office come to an end at the conclusion of the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
