News

Johanna Talihärm elected as Chair

Estonian Olympic biathlete Johanna Talihärm has been elected Chair for the 2025–2029 term. Already deeply involved in the Commission since 2023, she continues in a key mission: ensuring that the voice of European athletes is strongly represented within the EOC Executive Committee, where she will now serve with full voting rights.

"I am honoured by the trust shown by European athletes. Representing their voice is a responsibility I take very seriously," she stated during the Commission’s first meeting.

A Vice-Chair from canoe sprint

A point of pride for the paddle sports community: the Vice-Chair position goes to Ronald Rauhe of Germany, an Olympic medalist and iconic figure in kayak sprint. His appointment further demonstrates the growing importance of aquatic and paddle sports within European sports governance, acknowledging both their Olympic tradition and their key role in promoting sport values across the continent.

The Commission’s Secretary will be Serbia’s Zorana Arunovic, who has been reappointed for a new term.

A balanced Commission with room for new cooperation

Alongside re-elected members, several new athletes from a wide range of disciplines have joined the Commission. Representing summer sports:

• Michelle Coleman (Sweden, Swimming)

• Bendeguz Petervari-Molnar (Hungary, Rowing)

• Emanuel Silva (Portugal, Canoe)

• Alexandra Longova (Slovakia, Archery – re-elected)

For winter sports, alpine skier Dinos Jr. Lefkaritis (Cyprus) joins the group.

The EOC Executive Committee may also co-opt up to four additional members to further enhance the diversity and representativeness of the Commission.

A Forum focused on the future and athlete support

Beyond elections, the Forum addressed key themes including new funding pathways for Athletes’ Commissions and opportunities related to Olympic Solidarity programmes.

EOC President Spyros Capralos praised the level of commitment shown throughout the Forum:

"Your energy and your ideas are shaping the future of European sport. Congratulations to the new Commission, and thank you to all those who continue to engage and ensure that the athletes’ voice remains central."

EOC Athletes’ Commission (2025–2029)

Chair: Johanna Talihärm (Estonia, Biathlon)
Vice-Chair: Ronald Rauhe (Germany, Canoe)
Secretary: Zorana Arunovic (Serbia, Shooting)

Members:

• Michelle Coleman (Sweden, Swimming)

• Dinos Jr. Lefkaritis (Cyprus, Alpine Skiing)

• Alexandra Longova (Slovakia, Archery)

• Bendeguz Petervari-Molnar (Hungary, Rowing)

• Emanuel Silva (Portugal, Canoe)