In Paris, a Prestigious Position Awaits Swimmer Kubová! Her Theme is Dual Careers

The voices of athletes must be heard. "I believe that most athletes follow the Fair Play motto and want sport to be fair in all aspects. Therefore, their opinions on sports and even political matters are very important," says swimmer Simona Kubová, chairwoman of the Athletes' Commission of the Czech Swimming Federation, who is now running for membership of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Athletes' Commission. She is particularly interested in the theme of dual careers.

"It would be a great honour for me to become a member of this commission, as I would be able to help athletes resolve their problems or disagreements with the highest-ranking officials," explains Kubová, a three-time Olympian who will travel to Paris as a candidate for the IOC Athletes' Commission. "Athletes' voices are often not heard, yet they are an essential part of their preparation, and the development of sports federations and the entire national and international sports culture."

She hopes that the opinions of athletes will be respected and that officials from individual sports federations, countries, and the IOC itself will take them into account even more. She personally wants to focus on the theme of dual careers. "I have personal experience with both studying and elite sports, and I know that it is sometimes difficult to motivate athletes not to give up their studies," warns the multiple European Championship medallist. "It is necessary to create good conditions for them to manage both studies and sports. I would also like to open the topic of sports for everyone, including athletes from less developed countries."

I think it is good for the Czech Republic to have representation on the IOC Athletes' Commission.

Kubová is gradually learning how the IOC Athletes' Commission operates. "I have participated in several video conferences, so I have a certain idea. But, of course, I would still need to find out, for example, how often athletes communicate and meet, or how often they present their views to IOC leaders," she says, "But I would be very happy to be a part of it."

She perceives membership of the commission as a prestigious position. "And not only for the athletes, but also for the whole country. I think it is good for the Czech Republic to have representation on the IOC Athletes' Commission and to participate in various decisions, for example, regarding better conditions for athletes."

The International Olympic Committee will select new athlete representatives in Paris. Out of 30 candidates—14 men and 16 women—four positions are available. Javelin world record holder Jan Železný served as a member of the Athletes' Commission for eight years until London 2012.

The IOC Athletes' Commission serves as a link between athletes and the highest representatives of the International Olympic Committee. The mission of the commission is to ensure that the athletes' perspective remains at the centre of the Olympic movement's decision-making.