Federica Pellegrini Elected to IOC Athletes' Commission

Federica Pellegrini was elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission this week. She was one of four athletes chosen from a field of 30 applicants.

What happened?

The election took place in the Olympic Village and satellite residencies in Tokyo. Federica Pellegrini received 1,658 votes, placing her third in the balloting. Spanish basketball player Pau Gasol led the balloting with 1,888 votes.

Why it matters for Federica Pellegrini

Federica Pellegrini will become a full member of the IOC for the next seven years, through the close of the 2028 Olympics. She will join Pau Gasol, Japanese fencer Yuki Ota, and Polish cyclist Maja Martyna Wloszczowska on the commission.

What comes next?

The four new members will be sworn in on Sunday in Tokyo during the final day of the IOC session. An election will be held to determine the chair and vice-chair roles of the commission. Federica Pellegrini posted a thank you to those who voted for her on her social media. She finished seventh in the 200 freestyle at the Tokyo Games with a time of 1:55.91 on July 28, 2021. Federica Pellegrini has announced her intention to retire from swimming after the upcoming International Swimming League season. She holds the world record in the 200 free and the European record in the 400 free, both set in 2009. Other swimming candidates included Therese Alshammar of Sweden and Australian Cate Campbell. Federica Pellegrini turns 33 on August 5, 2021. She was Italy’s flag bearer at the 2016 Olympics and won silver in the 200 free at the 2004 Athens Games. Federica Pellegrini won gold in the 200 free at the 2008 Beijing Games.