Taliqua Clancy Appointed to AOC Athletes’ Commission
Dual Olympic beach volleyballer and proud Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng woman Taliqua Clancy has been appointed to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Athletes’ Commission.
Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Clancy is part of the 11-strong Commission that advises the AOC Executive on all matters relating to the Olympic movement from an athlete’s perspective, fulfilling a change to the AOC Constitution made in 2021 to ensure an Indigenous voice on the Athletes’ Commission with two permanent positions.
The AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, chaired by dual Olympic sprinter and Kaanju man Patrick Johnson, recommended Clancy, with the recommendation approved by the AOC Executive late last week.
Clancy became Australia’s first ever Indigenous beach volleyballer when she made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. The Kingaroy-born Clancy is one of 60 known Indigenous Olympians and was part of a record high 16 Indigenous Olympians in the Tokyo 2020 Team.
Clancy joins Noongar boxer Alex Winwood, who was elected at the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics, ensuring two Indigenous voices on the Commission.
AOC President John Coates congratulated Clancy on her appointment.
“Taliqua is a strong addition to the Athletes’ Commission and will be an important voice to advise the AOC,” Mr Coates said.
“She is a fierce and determined competitor on the court and equally passionate about the power of sport off the court.
“As a key speaker at the launch of the AOC’s Reconciliation Action Plan in 2021 and in community visits throughout Queensland with the Olympics Unleashed program, Taliqua has already shown her commitment to the impact Olympians can have across Australian communities.
“I look forward to seeing Taliqua continue her advocacy as part of the AOC Athletes’ Commission.
“The Australian Olympic movement has a rich Indigenous history. The constitutional change in 2021 to ensure a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice on the Athletes’ Commission is just one way the AOC is aiming to improve how the integration and celebration of First Nations people throughout the Olympic movement.”
Clancy, fresh off competing in Mexico at her first international event since winning silver in Tokyo, was thrilled to contribute to the Athletes’ Commission.
“It’s a huge honour to be appointed to the AOC Athletes’ Commission, joining such a highly regarded group of athletes, both present and retired,” Clancy said.
“It’s a huge step to ensure Indigenous voices are part of the Athletes’ Commission. To represent our nation’s past, present and emerging first people and my Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng mob is an honour. I know there is huge list of extremely talented Indigenous athletes that would also do an amazing job so I’m very thankful to be appointed.
“Being that point of connection between the AOC Executive team and the athletes is important for us to work together to maintain such an elite level of success at both the summer and winter Olympics.”
Dual Olympian and Chair of the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee Patrick Johnson said Clancy’s contribution off the court would make her a great asset to the Athletes’ Commission.
“In addition to Taliqua Clancy’s incredible sporting achievements and abilities, she is an excellent addition to the Athletes’ Commission because of her strong connection to her culture, which serves as an inspiration to a new generation of athletes.”
Athletes’ Commission Chair Cate Campbell welcomed Clancy’s appointment to the Commission.
“We are thrilled to have Taliqua joining the Athletes’ Commission,” Campbell said. “She is an incredible ambassador on and off the court.
“She brings the knowledge and experience from two Olympic campaigns and will hopefully help the Commission further strengthen our commitment to reconciliation through sport.”
The AOC Athletes’ Commission comprises:
Cate Campbell – (Swimming – Chair)
Ken Wallace (Paddle – Deputy Chair)
Andrew Charter (Hockey)
Taliqua Clancy (Beach Volleyball)
Jess Fox – (Paddle)
Cameron Girdlestone (Rowing)
Rachael Lynch (Hockey)
Greta Small (Alpine Skiing)
Brodie Summers (Mogul Skiing)
Rowie Webster (Water Polo)
Alex Winwood – (Boxing)
