Nicolas Messner

FRA

Role

Director

Organization

IJF Media, Judo for Peace

Nicolas Messner is the director of Judo for Peace, an organisation that uses the values of judo to help build a better society. Prior to being appointed Judo for Peace director in 2014, he began working with the Interantional Judo Federation in 2010 as media director. He is also a member of the IJF Development Commission.

Messner began practicing judo when he was four years old, and went on to become a black belt judoka, judo coach and teacher of teachers. He also spent seven years as a high-level judo competitor.

He graduated with degrees in physics and technology but followed his passion for photography and began a new career as a professional photographer in 2000. Between 2000 and 2010, Messner worked with the International University Sports Federation in the media department. During this time, he also developed programmes in Burundi, Africa, using judo as a social development tool.

Messner was born in Strasbourg, France and is a father of three.

The speakers

Using the unique power of sport to bring people together, the Olympism in Action Forum saw a range of global players, including Olympic Movement stakeholders, athletes, private and public sector leaders, NGO representatives, academics, artists and the media come together to talk on topical contemporary issues. Chosen because of their ability to effect change and their wide range of sometimes differing opinions, the speakers led lively debates and seeked to challenge received wisdom to inspire new ways of thinking.