ATHLETES COMMITTEE

The Athletes Committee shall consist of the following members:

  • Twenty (20) athletes from elections conducted at the World Aquatics World Championships;
  • Six (6) athletes appointed by the World Aquatics President, subject to the approval of the World Aquatics Bureau;
  • Six (6) Honorary Members appointed by the World Aquatics President, subject to the approval of the World Aquatics Bureau; and
  • All athlete(s) from any of the Aquatics disciplines who are members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Commission.

The athletes elected to the Athletes Committee shall represent the Aquatics disciplines as follows:

  • Ten (10) Swimming athletes, including one male athlete and one female athlete from each Continent;
  • Two (2) Open Water Swimming athletes, including one male athlete and one female athlete;
  • Two (2) Diving athletes, including one male athlete and one female athlete;
  • Two (2) High Diving athletes, including one male athlete and one female athlete;
  • Two (2) Artistic Swimming athletes, including one male athlete and one female athlete; and
  • Two (2) Water Polo athletes, including one male athlete and one female athlete.

2025 WORLD AQUATICS ATHLETES' COMMITTEE ELECTIONS: 

Voters can access the voting platform - HERE

Candidates | 2025 World Aquatics Athletes' Committee Elections

CURRENT ATHLETE COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

ORGANIZATION OF THE ATHLETES COMMITTEE

Organization of the Athletes Committee:

  • Members of the Athletes Committee shall elect three officers: Chair, Vice-Chair, and Honorary Secretary for a term of four years, or until their successors are duly elected. Honorary Members are not eligible to serve as an officer.
  • The Athletes Committee shall have an Executive Committee composed of nine (9) members: Chair, Vice-Chair, Honorary Secretary, and one member from each discipline, respecting gender and geographic diversity.
  • The Athletes Committee will elect one (1) delegate per discipline to attend the World Aquatics Congress.
  • Elected and appointed athletes within the Athletes Committee are entitled to one (1) vote on all committee matters, including elections. Honorary Members, however, do not have voting right.
  • The World Aquatics Executive Director or his/her representative shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Athletes Committee. The World Aquatics Office shall provide appropriate and necessary

POWERS AND DUTIES

The powers and duties of the Athletes Committee are:

  • To bring input of the Athletes to World Aquatics, in particular in connection with the organization of competitions and events;
  • To collaborate in the Technical Rule proposals and amendments for each discipline;
  • To be in contact with Athletes participating in competitions and events and bring forward to World Aquatics any suggestions and remarks made by Athletes;
  • To have a representative of the Athletes Committee participating in the meetings of each Technical Committees, with such Committee representative having personal experience in the discipline of the respective Technical Committee; and
  • To have the Chair of the Athletes Committee being an ex officio member of the Bureau and the Executive, with his or her main duty being to ensure that the Athletes' perspective is represented in the debates.

ATHLETES' COMMITTEE TOOLKIT

Ensuring athlete involvement in decision-making processes is vital for the advancement of Aquatics Sports. In this perspective, World Aquatics advocates for the active participation of athletes in key decision-making processes. Establishing an Athletes' Committee stands as the most effective method to solicit input from athletes, bridging the gap between them and World Aquatics Members, and ensuring their voices are taken into account. To facilitate this crucial initiative, World Aquatics has published a comprehensive guide to help its members and athletes in setting up an Athletes' Committee. Access the documents BELOW to empower athletes and strengthen the collaborative spirit within Aquatics governance.

Athletes’ Committee Toolkit for National Federations Athletes’ Committee Toolkit: APPENDIX 1- Retroplanning Template Athletes’ Committee Toolkit: APPENDIX 2- Terms of Reference Template Athletes’ Committee Toolkit: APPENDIX 3- Agenda Template Athletes’ Committee Toolkit: APPENDIX 4- Minutes Template