Joel Bouzou OLY re-elected as President of World Olympians Association

The UIPM Vice-President, Joel Bouzou OLY, has been re-elected to serve a third four-year term as President of the World Olympians Association (WOA).

Bouzou (FRA), who is also President and Founder of Peace and Sport and President of the French Modern Pentathlon Federation (FFPM), was one of the leading pentathletes of his generation and became individual world champion in 1987.

A four-time Olympian, he won a team bronze medal with France at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.

After two progressive terms at the helm of the WOA, which represents all current and past Olympians worldwide, Bouzou (FRA) was re-elected during the organisation’s virtual General Assembly, attended by International Olympic Committee President Dr Thomas Bach.

Bouzou (FRA) said: “I am absolutely delighted to be re-elected President of World Olympians Association and I am grateful to our NOA membership for their strong show of support. The past two terms have been extremely rewarding as WOA flourished, grew and established its place firmly within the Olympic Movement.

“In these uncertain times, it is fulfilling to see Olympians rise to current global social challenges – acting as beacons of hope during the pandemic, reaching out to their communities and keeping the legacy and spirit of the Games alive.

“WOA’s mission is to ensure Olympians have the tools, support and opportunities needed to thrive throughout their lives and continue to make an important difference in this world.”

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann said: “The impact Joel has made in supporting the global community of Olympic athletes and promoting the values of Olympism over the past eight years is truly remarkable, and we are certain he will continue to achieve great things in his third term as WOA President.

“As UIPM Vice-President, we are proud to have a major figure in global Olympic sport, who leads with vision and passion, at the heart of our own sporting family.”