Female representation on the Australian Olympic Committee’s executive board is inching closer to 50% following the appointment of three former Olympians today, including Nicole Livingstone (swimming), Kitty Chiller (athletics) and Danielle Woodward (canoeing).
The three women will join existing female board members Helen Brownlee and Kim Crow on the 12-strong board at the next AOC general meeting in April.
AOC president John Coates said in a statement the board’s new gender mix will better reflect female representation in sport. “Women comprise 45% of our Summer Olympic Team and 50% of our Winter Olympic Team, and in recent times they are winning the bulk of our Olympic medals, it is only right that women therefore have a greater presence on our Board,” he said.
Between them, the three women appointed have considerable sporting experience as well as experience on sports boards.
Chiller competed at the Sydney 2000 games in the Modern Pentathlon and has been involved in the sport ever since. She was Deputy Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team at the 2012 London games.
Livingstone competed at the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympics and was recently appointed to the Swimming Australia board.
Woodward competed at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics and has been president and chair of Australian Canoeing. She is also a federal agent with the Australian Federal Police.
“The new candidates are three outstanding women, on and off the field of play, and I am looking forward to working closely with them in the future. They have much to offer,” said Coates.