An Olympian for Life: keeping the flame alive beyond the Games

“Once an Olympian, always an Olympian,” stated International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. He was speaking at the official opening of the WOA’s Olympians for Life exhibition at the Olympic Club in PyeongChang yesterday. A fitting closing remark as the Olympians alumni association honoured five retired athletes who have made incredible contributions to society.

There is no question that the Olympic spirit lives on well beyond an Olympian’s competition days. Some go on to have illustrious careers in sports administration, turn to coaching, promote peace, fight for gender equality and inclusion, or seek to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people.

As part of the winter edition of the Olympians for Life exhibition, five winter Olympians have been recognised for not only representing, but also helping spread the Olympic values in their own country and around the world beyond the Games.

WOA President and Olympian Joël Bouzou said: “All have earned the honour to appear in this exhibition through the inspiring work they have done, both as athletes and as role models in society. Being an Olympian doesn’t end when you stop competing, it is a lifelong badge that is carried with you. Our project highlights just a few of the thousands of Olympians worldwide who are working every day to help make the world a better place.”

The five winter Olympians on show in PyeongChang are:

Originally launched during the Olympic Games Rio 2016, the exhibition honours Olympians who have made a significant impact on the lives of others both during their athletic career and after.

The exhibition was officially opened by WOA Patron HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco OLY with IOC President Thomas Bach OLY and other high profile Olympians and IOC Members in attendance at the Olympic Club in PyeongChang on 17 February.

Find out more about Olympians for Life at www.olympians.org.