Johanna Talihärm elected Chair of the EOC Athletes’ Commission

London, 13 November 2025 – Estonian biathlete Johanna Talihärm has been elected as Chair of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Athletes’ Commission on the second day of the 8th European Athletes’ Forum & Assembly held in London.

Talihärm, who will represent European athletes on the EOC Executive Committee as an ex-officio member with full voting rights, will be supported by Ronald Rauhe (Germany, Canoeing) as Vice Chair and Zorana Arunovic (Serbia, Shooting) as Secretary. Their term will run from 2025 to 2029.

Also elected to the Commission were Alexandra Longova (Slovakia), who was re-elected, and newly elected members Bendeguz Petervari-Molnar (Hungary), Michelle Coleman (Sweden), and Emanuel Silva (Portugal) from the summer sports, while Dinos Jr. Lefkaritis (Cyprus) joined as the representative for winter sports.

During the Commission’s first meeting in London, Talihärm – who previously served as Vice Chair – expressed her gratitude and commitment to representing the athletes of Europe: “I am really happy that the athletes of Europe have trusted me with this role. It is an honour to represent their voice. The EOC Executive Committee is full of Olympians and former athletes, and I know they are passionate about ensuring that athletes remain at the heart of all their decision-making,” said Talihärm.

The Forum also discussed future funding for Athletes’ Commissions and opportunities for Olympic Solidarity applications, underlining the importance of continued support for athlete development and representation across Europe.

EOC President Spyros Capralos welcomed the new Athletes’ Commission and praised the constructive discussions held throughout the Forum: “I want to thank all the athletes who participated in the European Athletes’ Forum for showing us the future of European sport. The EOC Executive Committee leaves London incredibly optimistic about the future, thanks to the ideas we have heard from all of you. Congratulations to our new Chair Johanna Talihärm and all elected members of the EOC Athletes’ Commission – and to those who were not elected, please continue to participate and ensure the athlete voice is always heard.”

The EOC Athletes’ Commission for the 2025–2029 term:

Chair: Johanna TALIHÄRM (Estonia, Biathlon)
Vice Chair: Ronald RAUHE (Germany, Canoeing)
Secretary: Zorana ARUNOVIC (Serbia, Shooting)
Members:

• Dinos Jr. LEFKARITIS (Cyprus, Alpine Skiing)

• Bendeguz PETERVARI-MOLNAR (Hungary, Rowing)

• Michelle COLEMAN (Sweden, Swimming)

• Alexandra LONGOVA (Slovakia, Archery)

• Emanuel SILVA (Portugal, Canoeing)

Up to four members will be co-opted by the EOC Executive Committee to join the newly elected Commission.

The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) congratulates Johanna Talihärm and the newly elected members of the EOC Athletes’ Commission. ANOC continues to work closely with the five Continental Associations to strengthen athlete representation worldwide and to ensure that the voice of athletes remains central to the Olympic Movement.