5 August 2008 :Well-known Namibian sprinter Mr Frank Fredericks has yesterday been elected the new Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission of the International Olympic Committee, for a two-year term.
Mr Fredericks succeeds Mr Sergey Bubka as the head of the Commission, which was meeting in Beijing ahead of the 120th Session of the IOC and, of course, ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.
"I’ve really enjoyed my time leading the Athletes’ Commission," said Mr Bubka today, "it’s the best job in the IOC, because you have the honour to represent the voice of the athlete. I think Frankie will take the Athletes’ Commission to the next level. He’s a perfect fit for the role." Both Sergey Bubka and his Vice-Chairperson HSH Prince Albert of Monaco have been appointed Honorary Members of the Athletes Commission.
Mr Fredericks won two silver medals (100m & 200m), at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992 and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, during a long and distinguished athletic career.