The first phase of the World Aquatics Foundation Emerging Leaders Programme has concluded, marking another important step in World Aquatics’ commitment to empowering the global aquatics community and supporting athletes beyond the field of play.
In recent years, World Aquatics has expanded its focus on athlete development, recognising that the role of a sporting organisation goes beyond competition. Through education, leadership opportunities, career development and community initiatives such as the Emerging Leaders Programme, World Aquatics continues to create platforms that allow athletes and young leaders to build skills, share their experiences and make a positive impact both within and outside aquatics.
During Phase 1, participants took part in three online sessions delivered by experienced leaders from the worlds of sport and digital communication.
The programme opened with a session on Olympic Values, led by Ana Jelusic Black, OLY, who shared her experiences as an Olympian and leader while exploring how values such as respect, excellence and friendship can guide decision-making and leadership.
Ana Jelusic Black, OLY, said:
“Leadership is not something that happens overnight. It is built through experiences, through listening to others and through learning how to take responsibility.
"Sport gives us so many opportunities to develop those qualities, and I really enjoyed hearing how these young leaders are already thinking about the role they can play within their communities"
The second session, Creative Storytelling and Youth Leadership, was led by World Aquatics Director of Digital Services and Office Operations Luca Fasani, who highlighted how effective storytelling can help amplify important messages, connect communities and encourage greater engagement with aquatics.
Luca Fasani said:
“A good story can change the way people see something.
"Athletes have incredible experiences, and sharing those moments can inspire others and bring people closer to the sport"
“It was great to see the passion and ideas that the participants brought to the session.”
The final session of Phase 1 focused on How to Run a Social Media Campaign and Responsible Social Media Use, delivered by High Diving athlete and well-known digital creator Molly Carlson.
Drawing on her own experience building a global digital community, Molly shared practical advice on creating meaningful content, engaging audiences responsibly and using social platforms to promote positive messages.
Molly Carlson said:
“When I started sharing my journey online, I never imagined how many people it would connect me with.
"Social media has given athletes a chance to show who we are beyond competition and to share the moments that people don’t always see"
“But with that opportunity comes responsibility - it is important to be thoughtful about what we share, how we engage with others and the kind of community we want to create.”
Turning ideas into action: Phase 2 and Phase 3
With Phase 1 complete, participants will now move into the practical stages of the programme.
During Phase 2, each Emerging Leader will complete two parallel projects:
- A Social Impact Project, focused on creating meaningful change within their communities and using aquatics as a platform for positive action.
- A Digital Content Challenge, allowing participants to apply the storytelling and communication skills developed throughout the programme.
The final stage of the programme, Phase 3, will celebrate the achievements of all Emerging Leaders, with projects recognised across World Aquatics’ digital channels and through a series of awards.
The overall winner will receive an exclusive opportunity to become the Influencer of the Beijing 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m), joining the World Aquatics Digital Team and gaining experience in creating content and engaging audiences at one of the sport’s major international events.