August 04, 2016 (Rio de Janeiro, BRA) – On Thursday, the IOC Executive Council announced four-time Olympian, Olympic medallist and Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) President, Tricia Smith, along with seven others, as a new member of the IOC. The election for the position was held in Rio at the 129th IOC Executive Session, August 2-4, 2016.

In this latest slate, four men and four women were nominated and were chosen through a targeted IOC recruitment process – a first for the IOC. Smith, one of three Olympians, was asked directly by the IOC if she would let her name stand for this position. The IOC Nominations Committee chaired by Anne, Princess Royal determined the members announced today.

Smith is a lawyer and Vancouver businesswoman. She is the recipient of the Order of Canada and as well as being the COC President, is the Vice-President of FISA (the International Rowing Federation), and a Board Member of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. She will serve alongside the two other current Canadian members: five-time Olympic medallist Hayley Wickenheiser and longtime IOC Member, Richard Pound.

Tricia Smith is a champion for the value sport brings to communities, domestic and international and for the integrity of sport. She will provide a strong voice to the positive changes being made in sport in Canada and in the international community.

Quotes

“It is an honour and tremendous opportunity to have been nominated and elected by the IOC. Congratulations to the other new members and thanks to the Olympic community for their confidence. I look forward to working within the Movement and will continue to advocate for the true Olympic ideals and for sport that is clean, fair and executed with the upmost integrity.” – Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

“I’m excited to have Tricia join myself and Dick as a member of the IOC. Canada has some of the best sporting leaders in the world and to have another Canadian in the mix is fantastic. Tricia is a strong, insightful leader and will bring wisdom and integrity to the table. Congratulations on this great honour, Tricia.” – Hayley Wickenheiser, six-time Olympian, Ice Hockey/Softball

“Tricia is an outstanding Canadian leader and she will bring incredible experience and perspective to the IOC. Her tireless work in the sport world throughout her career is a testament to her passion and dedication and I have full confidence she will bring that same enthusiasm with her as we work together toward growing the Olympic Movement.” – Dick Pound, IOC Member

“All of us at the Canadian Olympic Committee are so proud to see Tricia assume this important role with the IOC. Her reputation around the world as an accomplished business person, athlete and sport leader makes her an outstanding choice for Canada. There can be no doubt that she he will carry out her duties with the same strength and poise that we have all been witness to for many years. The international sporting community will only benefit from her particular style of principled, values-based leadership. I look forward to supporting Tricia as she takes on this new challenge.” – Chris Overholt, CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee