Olympic pentathletes Heather Fell (GBR) and Philipp Waeffler (SUI) appointed AFEC Assessors

Two well-known Olympic pentathletes are poised to take on a key role in helping student athletes balance their sport and their education.

Heather Fell of Great Britain, silver medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and Philipp Waeffler, who competed for Switzerland at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, graduated recently from the Olympic Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) Assessor Training Programme.

The Modern Pentathlon duo were among a group of 20 former athletes whose qualifications were officially conferred during an online graduation ceremony hosted by Joël Bouzou OLY, President of the World Olympians Association and Vice President of UIPM, and World Academy of Sport (WAoS) Director Chris Solly.

As AFEC Assessors, the former pentathletes will certify educational centres that provide flexible learning and support structures to enable student athletes to balance their sport and education.

Fell (GBR) retired in 2013 after a 14-year career in Modern Pentathlon. She was junior world champion in 2003 and won six individual UIPM Pentathlon World Cup medals and two individual silver medals in the European Championships.

Waeffler (SUI) finished 29th in his only Olympic appearance at Atlanta 1996 and went on to enjoy success in coaching, including a stint as men’s head coach for Pentathlon GB. After that he worked for UIPM as Competition Manager and Sports Director between 2015 and 2019.

During the online ceremony, Joël Bouzou OLY said: “Congratulations to my fellow Olympians on achieving this important qualification and for adapting to the challenges of completing your training in a virtual environment. Becoming an Athlete Friendly Education Centre Assessor is a unique accomplishment and will provide many new opportunities.

“As Olympians, you have already inspired communities around the world during your competing careers, and now you have the opportunity to enhance your legacies and support future generations of sports men and women.”