Fernanda Oliveira joins ISAF Athletes' Commission

The International Sailing Federation has announced the sailors who will serve on the ISAF Athletes' Commission for 2013-2016, with five sailors elected to join three who remain on the Commission to complete their second term. The three members who remain on the Commission are: Ben Barger (USA) Men's Windsurfer competitor in 2008; Malcolm Page (AUS), Men's Two Person Dinghy gold medallist 2008 and 2012; and Marcelien de Koning (NED) Women's Two Person Dinghy silver medallist, 2008 and Women's Match Racing competitor in 2012. Joining them are Fernanda Oliveira (BRA), Sarah Gosling (GBR), Lijia Xu (CHN), Pieter-Jan Postma (NED) and Yann Rocherieux (FRA).

Holding a world #2 ranking, Fernanda Oliveira (BRA) is a four-time Olympian (2012, 2008, 2004 and 2000), and secured the bronze medal in 2008 with former crew Isabel Swan.

Malcolm Page (AUS) is the world's most successful 470 sailor, a two-time Olympic Gold Medallist and six-time World Champion.

Between them, the members of the Athletes' Commission hold eight Olympic medals, five of them gold and 11 World Championship titles.

Women
Fernanda Oliveira (BRA)
Sarah Gosling (GBR)
Marcelien de Koning (NED)
Lijia Xu (CHN)

Men
Pieter-Jan Postma (NED)
Ben Barger (USA)
Malcolm Page (AUS)
Yann Rocherieux (FRA)

At the Athletes' Commission's first meeting which will be towards the end of September or early October their first task will be to elect a Chairman for a four year term.

About The ISAF Athletes' Commission
The role of the ISAF Athletes' Commission is to act as the link between active Olympic sailors and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

ISAF organizes one meeting each year, which is held at the ISAF Secretariat. Other meetings are co-ordinated by the Athletes' Commission at ISAF Graded events.

The Athletes Commission will be able to elect members to sit on Events, Equipment and Race Officials Committees as well as receiving invites to Working Parties considering Olympic sailing matters, and selection of ISAF World Championships venues.

The members of the Athletes' Commission are expected to represent the interests of Olympic sailors to ISAF, and to encourage open communication and feedback from the sailors.

More Information:
ISAF Athletes' Commission website

Image: Fernanda Oliveira competing at the 470 Worlds with crew, Ana Barbachan © Christophe Breschi