October 12, 2009 – A recent article by the Canwest News Service highlights former Olympic medalist Beckie Scott’s work as an athlete representative to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Scott joined the IOC’s athlete’s committee in 2006, and has also worked to help athletes overcome some of the challenges they face after retirement.

When she was first elected to the International Olympic Committee, Beckie Scott wasn’t entirely comfortable with her surroundings because she was clearly four things her new colleagues were not: young, female, athletic and unrelated to European royalty.

Three and a half years later, there are times when Scott still feels like a stranger in a strange land. But the Canadian gold medalist in cross-country skiing from Salt Lake also says some members of the world’s most exclusive club are trying – really trying – to shed their image of bloated self-importance.

“There is certainly a huge level of intimidation [at the IOC] with all the hierarchy, protocol, etc., but if you really are there with good intentions and to try and represent the athletes as best as you can, you get past it and learn to get comfortable speaking up.You have to, otherwise there really is not much point in being there.”

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