Experienced speaker Van Emden lights her candidacy for IJF Athletes commission

At the World Championships in Budapest it's not only about the competition, besides the 56 medals, also the IJF Congress and Gala, congresses of the continental Unions, many meetings, commercial gatherings are held. One of the most interesting gathering is the election by athletes for the IJF Athletes Commission. Dutch Olympic medallist Anicka van Emden has the experience and is still seeded in athlete commissions at various levels.

Anicka van Emden has made herself eligible for the Athletes Commission of the International Judo Federation (IJF). The Olympic Bronze winner has been active as professional judoka for ten years in the IJF World Tour, European Championships and World Championships. Van Emden is since 2014 the chairwomen of the Dutch Judo Federation’s Athletes Commission (AC) and since January member of the National Olympic Committee’s AC.

“I think it’s important that there is a linking body between the athletes and executive committee and that the athletes’ voice is heard,” Van Emden lights her candidacy. “I am motivated to contribute to the development of judo all over the world and represent all judo players in every subject concerning the sport.”

In total, seventeen candidates are eligible. These athletes have participated at least in the Olympic Games or World Championships for seniors. Each continent must be represented in the commission. The election of new members will take place during the World Championships in Budapest. In the current athlete commission Olympic Champions such as Teddy Riner (FRA) and Kayla Harrison (USA) are seeded.