South African Medallist Bridgitte Hartley in Running for Prestigious International Olympic AC Post

SASCOC has congratulated South Africa’s Olympic medallist, canoeing’s Bridgitte Hartley, who is one of 30 candidates selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) EB as nominees for four positions in the IOC Athletes Commission (AC) election.

The candidates – who were nominated by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and NOC Athletes’ Commissions – will be competing for the four available positions within the IOC AC.

The elections will take place next year during the Olympic Games in Tokyo. All athletes participating at the Olympics will be eligible to vote.

SASCOC received a notice from the IOC to select a nominee for the AC election and due process was followed to nominate the South African candidate.

Bridgitte who participates in the K1500m and K2 500m events won a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics and she also competed in the 2008 and 2016 Olympics.

She has also won bronze in 2009, 2014 and 2018 World Championships.

Bridgitte’s functions in the field of sport also include being in the NOC Athletes’ Commission in 2018 and a Canoeing Coach for South African Athletes in 2019.

On behalf of SASCOC, the Acting CEO Ravi Govender, congratulated Bridgitte Hartley on her nomination.

“Congratulations on your candidacy. As the macro sports body of South Africa we are proud of the work you have done and you continue to do to improve canoeing in South Africa.

“As an Olympic medallist, your contribution to sport has not gone unrecognised. You have been nominated for the election because of your quality and ability. We wish you well in the election.”

Canoeing South Africa President, Kim Pople said: “Canoeing South Africa is delighted to learn of Bridgitte’s success in being one of nominees to the Athletes Commission.

“Her dedication over the past 16 years bears testament to her love for our sport, not only in the purist disciplines but across the Board. A three-time Olympian and medallist, she is a shining light for the African continent.”

Chairperson of the South African Athletes Commission, Natalie du Toit also congratulated Bridgitte: “We as the Athletes Commission, would like to congratulate one of our own as a candidate for the IOC Athletes’ Commission Election – XXXII Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

“To Brigitte Hartley, we wish you all the success as you take on this next step in your journey. What a proud moment for South Africa! Let us all support Bridgitte, as she flies the South African flag; a proud moment indeed,” said Natalie.