The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that former Ireland international hockey goalkeeper David Harte will be seeking election onto the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
Four athletes will be elected at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by Olympians onto the commission that was established in 1981 as an official body that serves as a link between athletes and the IOC.
The focus of the Athletes' Commission is to ensure that the athletes’ viewpoint is at the heart of the Olympic Movement decisions.
"I am very proud and pleased to be Ireland’s candidate for election for the IOC Athletes’ Commission," said Harte in a statement released by the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
"I really believe in the mission of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in placing athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement, and I would relish the opportunity to further implement this.
"As hockey team captain at Rio 2016 and World Cup 2018, honesty, trustworthiness and mutual respect were key to my leadership, and these are values which I will base my campaign on in the coming months."
As well as representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Harte has been recognised as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, winning the accolade of FIH World Goalkeeper of the Year on two occasions.
The Cork athlete has been a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland Athletes’ Commission since 2017 and is currently the Secretary of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Athletes’ Commission.
"To have an opportunity to be the link between athletes globally and the IOC is something that really excites me and motivates me to be elected," added Harte.
"I am not a fan of being a ‘hurler on the ditch’ and like to be proactive about being a voice for athletes. I believe strongly in providing equal opportunities for all athletes to support a successful Olympic campaign regardless of their background.
"My three main priorities in my campaign will be gender equality, athlete transition and focusing on the areas of anti-doping and the prevention of manipulation in sport."
Olympic Federation of Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard believes that Harte will be a very strong candidate.
"David’s approachability and sense of justice for all is a valuable attribute and will benefit athletes worldwide should he get elected.
"As a current member of the OFI Athletes’ Commission, David had been part of a committee that in a short time has generated a wave of change in Irish sport, through activation programmes and athlete engagement, and he brings a wealth of experience to the table.
"We wish him the best of luck with his campaign."
The Executive Board of the IOC approved Harte’s candidature at a board meeting on December 5.
His campaign will run from now until the Olympic Games next summer. Athletes will have the opportunity to vote between the 14 July and the 4 August 2020.
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