IOC Young Leaders at Tokyo 2020

The eight IOC Young Leaders taking on various roles during Tokyo 2020 will rely on their experience and lessons learned through their participation in the IOC Young Leaders programme, which will help them to effectively and safely support the delivery of the Games.

With skills acquired in communications, marketing, photography, logistics, volunteer management and technology, the IOC Young Leaders are positioned to play some of the key roles in an unprecedented edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

And one of them is competing.

Sakina Valiyeva (AZE), Jean-Claude Rugigana (RWA), Guilherme Campos de Morales (BRA) and Betsmara Cruz (PUR) – role with a National Olympic Committee

Sakina, Jean-Claude, Guilherme and Betsmara are all part of their respective NOC delegations.

Sakina from Azerbaijan works as a marketing specialist at the NOC of Azerbaijan. She is managing the media work to ensure that her country’s home audience is fully informed about the Games, the national team’s results and other insights from Tokyo. Sakina also works closely with partners and athletes, answering their questions and offering media support on marketing and digital media topics.

Sakina believes these Games will serve as a reminder of how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on well-being, sport and physical activity. And how, together, we can “win” against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With a solid background in IT and digital media, Jean-Claude serves as the Press Attaché for the Rwanda Olympic Team, for which his main responsibilities are to provide the national and international media houses with updates about the Rwandan athletes’ performances and to provide content around the Games for the digital platforms of the NOC of Rwanda.

Guilherme is an Official for Team Brazil, a delegation made up of more than 300 athletes. He and his team are working to ensure the athletes have everything needed to perform at their very best. He will focus on the supply of the team’s uniforms. However, with his legal background, he is ready to be called on for different functions.

Betsmara will be busy as the Deputy Chef de Mission for Team Puerto Rico, ensuring her country’s athletes have the best support in achieving their Olympic dreams.

In addition to serving as the Deputy Chief de Mission, Betsmara took on the role of COVID-19 Liaison Officer, a new and challenging position in the current context.

Even with a heavy workload ahead of her, Betsmara is looking forward to seeing first-hand how sport can unite the world, and how athletes from all over the world continue to inspire hope.

Being present in the host city and country strengthened all four Young Leaders’ excitement for the Games, as they describe the Games as a true universal celebration of hope, solidarity and resilience.

Tony Tarraf (LBN) – role with an International Federation

Tony from Lebanon has the role of Executive Assistant to the President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), and this clearly requires a high level of organisational, planning and delivery skills. Tony joined the IOC Young Leader programme at Nanjing 2014 and has become an IOC Athlete365 Career+ Power Up Educator, reflecting his studies in the field of athlete development.

Christel Saneh (LBN) – role in the media

Also from Lebanon, Christel is getting her photography gear ready to capture unforgettable Olympic moments in her role as a Games photographer, while also supporting a number of stakeholders, including NOCs, specific media outlets and World Athletics.

We already know Christel’s images will tell the story of Tokyo 2020.

Geewon Yoo (KOR) – role with a TOP Partner

Geewon from South Korea started her Olympic journey as a volunteer at the PyeongChang 2018 test events back in 2016. This time around she will assist with the Omega timing and scoring operations at the badminton venue. She will also train a batch of volunteers, guiding them in their daily roles and responsibilities.

Working with passionate volunteers is one of the reasons why Geewon fell in love with the Olympic Games.

Jemima Montag (AUS) – an athlete

Jemima is an Australian race walker and will compete in a 20km event that takes place on 6 August in Sapporo.

Off the field of play, Jemima aims to make a difference in her community by creating inclusive and fun ways for women and girls to be physically active. Her participation in Tokyo 2020 can only support this vision.

We are excited to see Jemima compete and are cheering her on. 

All eight of the IOC Young Leaders are bringing to Tokyo their passion and enthusiasm for sport, unity and solidarity.

Despite the challenging circumstances of the last year, each of them will contribute to the successful delivery of this historical edition of the Olympic Games. And we are immensely proud of them!