American ice hockey Olympic champion Angela Ruggiero was elected as the new Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Athletes’ Commission, replacing outgoing Chair Claudia Bokel. IOC President Thomas Bach officially appointed Angela Ruggiero during today’s joint meeting between the IOC Athletes’ Commission and the IOC Executive Board, following a vote by the members of the Commission.

Angela Ruggiero is the current Vice-Chair of the Commission, which acts as the voice of the athletes within the IOC and the Olympic Movement, and is a former ice hockey player who has played more games for Team USA than any other man or woman.
“Congratulations to Angela Ruggiero on her successful election,” said President Bach. We will welcome her to the IOC Executive Board. I am sure that, with her determination and her great experience, she will make a huge contribution. The EB will be very happy to engage with her and all the members of the Athletes’ Commission for the sake of all the athletes. I would already like to thank Claudia Bokel for the great work she has done, and we offer her our full support in the important work she has to do in these final few weeks of her term of office.”

After the meeting, Angela Ruggiero said: “I am grateful for the trust my fellow IOC Athletes’ Commission members have put in me and my work. It is an important time within the Olympic Movement and our Commission has a great responsibility. I will make sure our voices aren’t just heard, but that they are effective and that we empower athletes around the world to do the same.” Tony Estanguet was in turn elected as Vice-Chair.