Tony Estanguet, the three-time Olympic champion in Canoe Slalom, has been elected as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member.
The International Canoe Federation is celebrating Mr Estanguet’s election at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece on March 20.
Mr Estanguet has become an IOC Member after receiving 98 of the 101 votes in favour of his election.
It will be the Frenchman’s second spell as an IOC Member having served in the position from 2013 to 2021 and was Vice Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission from 2016 to 2018.
His election follows his outstanding delivery of last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games having been President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee from 2017 to 2024.
Mr Estanguet and his team received a standing ovation at the IOC Session in Costa Navarino on March 19 after delivering the report of the Games.
During his glittering Canoe Slalom career, Mr Estanguet captured Olympic golds in canoe at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and London 2012 and participated at Beijing 2008 where he was France’s Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony.
He also won three individual world titles and is a three-time European champion.
After ending his competitive career in Canoe Slalom, Mr Estanguet was elected as ICF Vice President in 2014 – a position he held until 2021.
“I would like to congratulate Tony Estanguet on his election as an IOC Member,” said ICF President Thomas Konietzko.
“It is thoroughly deserved after his outstanding performance as President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.
“Tony is an incredible ambassador for our sport.
“He achieved great success on the water, winning three Olympic gold medals as a slalom paddler, and he has continued to advocate for our sport since ending his career as an athlete.
“It was a great pleasure to work alongside him as Vice President of our federation for several years and work closely with him and his team for the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“During Paris 2024, Tony showcased all his skills to put on a magnificent Games in the French capital and we are all delighted that he will now return as an IOC Member.”
Australian slalom star Jessica Fox was also present at the IOC Session in Costa Navarino after becoming an IOC Member last year following her election as an IOC Athletes’ Commission member.
Photos by IOC/Greg Martin
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