14 Jun 2025

Empowering athlete voices and showcasing global best practices in Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland – June 11–12, 2025 – Athlete representatives from around the world convened in Lausanne for the 12th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF), the world’s largest platform dedicated to athlete advocacy, welfare, and leadership. This year’s forum saw more than 400 delegates from National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs), the IOC, WADA, and Games Organising Committees gather under the theme of support, solidarity, and empowerment.

Namibia stood out as a powerful voice and an example of athlete-led progress on the global stage.

Namibia’s Impact: Leadership and Inspiration

The Namibian delegation was among the most active and visible at the forum, represented by:

• Maike Betts, Chair of the Namibia Athletes’ Commission

• Romio Goliath, Vice Chair of the Namibia Athletes’ Commission

• Gaby Ahrens, Vice President of the Namibia National Olympic Committee, also serving as:

  • Vice-Chair of the WADA Athletes’ Council

  • Chair of the ANOCA Athletes’ Commission

  • Africa Liaison to the IOC Athletes’ Commission

Namibia’s athletes representives played leading roles across sessions and discussions. A highlight came during a powerful Day 1 panel on athlete support, moderated by Olympic legend and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Allyson Felix.In a moving testimony, Romio Goliath shared how Olympic Solidarity and the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant helped him access high-level training opportunities to pursue his Olympic dreams.

Namibia’s Athletes’ Commission was also highlighted as a best practice model, applauded for its athlete-led initiatives and social media presence.

Forum Highlights: Support, Integrity, and Innovation

The two-day forum covered key pillars of athlete support and commission development. Among the highlights were:

• Plenary sessions on Olympic Solidarity funding, safeguarding, and effective athlete leadership

• Interactive workshops covering:

  • 🧠 Mental Health

  • ✋ Safeguarding and Competition Integrity

  • 📲 Social Media Strategy

  • 🤝 Anti-Doping Education

  • 🌱 Sustainability in Sport

Namibia’s Gaby Ahrens co-led the Anti-Doping session with WADA colleagues, equipping athletes with the knowledge and tools needed to uphold sport’s integrity. As Vice-Chair of the WADA Athlete Council and a key figure in African sport governance, Ahrens continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global anti-doping efforts.

Solidarity, Strategy, and the Road Ahead

A core focus of the forum was ensuring that athletes are empowered to lead — not just compete. Day 2 featured a live dialogue with IOC President Thomas Bach, followed by a fireside chat with incoming IOC President Kirsty Coventry, where the importance of athlete inclusion and continental collaboration was underscored.

As part of broader initiatives, the IOC reaffirmed its USD 650 million investment through Olympic Solidarity to support athletes and NOCs from 2025–2028.

Athlete365’s digital platform also expanded its reach to over 200,000 members, now offering enhanced tools for well-being, education, and career transition.

Namibia Returns Home With Momentum

The forum concluded with a renewed sense of purpose. For Namibia, the recognition of its Athletes’ Commission as a global best-practice example marked a defining achievement. Delegates returned with new strategies, tools, and connections to elevate the voice of athletes nationwide.

“It was an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and bring back fresh ideas,” said Maike Betts. “We’re more committed than ever to supporting Namibia’s athletes — both elite and grassroots — in every possible way.”

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