Empowering athletes to prevent competition manipulation at Paris 2024
On the road to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched the “Believe in Sport” campaign. Supported by six athlete ambassadors, the campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the threat of competition manipulation among qualified athletes, their entourage members and officials, while empowering them to make the right decisions.
Meet the “Believe in Sport” ambassadors for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
The six ambassadors selected in collaboration with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs) are:
- Pascal Gentil (Olympian, France, Taekwondo)
- Nina Kanto (Olympian, France, Handball)
- Nchimunya Mweetwa (Zambia, Football)
- Louise Bawden (Olympian, Australia, Beach Volleyball)
- Consuelo de las Heras (Chile, Field Hockey)
- Maria Barakat (Jordan, NOC Staff)
In the coming weeks, these ambassadors will be raising awareness of the rules among their peers, and calling on the athletes not to share any inside information related to their sport.
They will also take part in topical webinars aimed at briefing all NOCs on the resources available and the educational measures needed for their Olympic delegations. In addition, they will support individual NOC and IF activities.
A ”Believe in Sport” dedicated section is now available on Athlete365, the IOC’s digital platform for Olympians and elite athletes. It features a wealth of educational material on the prevention of competition manipulation, such as an online course, the Code of Conduct, and guidance on how to submit a report confidentially via the IOC’s Integrity Hotline.
At Games time, athletes, coaches and officials accredited for Paris 2024 can meet the ambassadors at an education booth in the Athlete365 House in the Olympic Village.
Peer-to-peer education
Ambassador Louise Bawden competed for Australia at three Olympic Games in volleyball and beach volleyball, and is thrilled about the opportunity to return to the Games in a different role:
“I am honoured to be an ambassador for ‘Believe in Sport’ at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” she said. “In a world where we are all more contactable and accessible than ever before, ensuring athletes are educated about the risks associated with competition manipulation reduces the chances of coercion or mistakes that carry significant consequences.”
Chilean hockey player Consuelo is similarly excited about the role:
“Being part of this team and having the opportunity to be present at the Olympic Games mean the world to me,” she said. “It represents not only a personal achievement but also a chance to contribute to the Olympic spirit, promote fair play, and support athletes in their pursuit of excellence.”
Education key to preventing competition manipulation
Competition manipulation happens when athletes intentionally underperform or lose on purpose. It is also when officials intentionally make wrong decisions affecting the competition. This may be for financial, sporting or other advantage.
One of the best ways to prevent competition manipulation is by raising awareness and educating athletes. It is for this reason the awareness campaign is starting now, encouraging all athletes participating at Paris 2024 to follow the online course ahead of the Olympic Games, allowing them to focus fully on their competitions when they get to France.