Aya Medany OLY becomes Member of Egyptian Parliament

Three-time Olympian and leading athlete ambassador Aya Medany OLY has begun a new career in politics after being appointed as a Member of the Egyptian Parliament.

The appointment by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is the latest accolade for Medany (EGY), who is Chair of the UIPM Athletes Committee and sits on two Commissions within the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The former pentathlete, who competed in her first Olympic Games aged 15 (Athens 2004) and went on to compete at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, is a strong advocate for equal representation and rights in sport.

Mrs Medany, who also works as a university lecturer assistant took the constitutional oath in the Egyptian Parliament in Cairo on January 12, embarking on a five-year term of service as a national politician.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann led the tributes to the UIPM Executive Board Member, saying: “I was so delighted to get a call on January 7 from Sharif Elerian, President of the Egyptian Modern Pentathlon Federation, to inform me that Aya had just been appointed as one of 100 members of the Parliament from the President of Egypt.

“Immediately I called Aya and congratulated her and she said ‘you are the first person giving me congratulations. You called before my family and friends!’

“On behalf of the global Modern Pentathlon community I would like to express my deep respect and pride in Aya’s achievements, and I wish her a lot of success in this new political carrier.

“It’s a new challenge for her and for UIPM also a prestigious moment linked to the image of UIPM athletes and officials. Aya follows in a long line of Modern Pentathlon athletes and administrators who have held high political office at regional and national levels.”

Sharif Elerian, President of the Egyptian Modern Pentathlon Federation, added: “We are extremely proud and honored by the choice of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Aya Medany, our pentathlon champion and icon. We wish her all the best.”