JEDDAH: Pioneering Saudi rower Husein Alireza, who competed at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, has been appointed to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission.
Alireza, who reached the quarterfinals of the single sculls event, joins a select group of representatives from around the world tasked with shaping athlete-focused policies and strengthening the voice of competitors within the Olympic Movement.
“I’m grateful for the trust, inspired by the responsibility,” he said of the appointment, which was confirmed by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
“This group shapes policy, protects the rights of athletes and plays a vital role in influencing the future of global sport. I look forward to doing my part and serving the movement that shaped my life.”
Alireza said his decision to seek the role was influenced by his experience of building a sport from the ground up in Saudi Arabia.
He played a central role in establishing rowing in the Kingdom at a time when the sport had no formal presence, with a small group of athletes taking responsibility for everything from securing funding and equipment to engaging with ministries, visiting schools and laying the foundations for a national program.
“That experience gave me a hands-on understanding of the entire athlete pathway, from grassroots challenges to governance decisions,” he said.
“Many athletes around the world share those same struggles for opportunity and recognition. I want to make sure their realities and their voices help shape the future of sport.”
Building a sport from the ground up had taught him the importance of athlete advocacy, he said.
“When athletes are included in leadership, development accelerates, systems become more responsive and policy moves beyond protection toward genuine empowerment.”
Alireza’s appointment follows consultations with Emma Terho, chair of the Athletes’ Commission, and reflects the IOC’s confidence in his leadership, professionalism and commitment to athlete representation. He already serves on the athletes’ commissions of the Saudi Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia.
In his new role, Alireza will contribute to shaping the global athlete experience within the Olympic Movement.
The scope of his responsibilities will be clarified in the coming months, including during the commission’s first meeting at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February, when strategic priorities and future initiatives will be set.
