Express & Star

Kristian Thomas picked for commission

Olympic bronze medallist Kristian Thomas has been elected to serve on the athletes’ commision for the British Olympic Association.

Published

He is one of five new members selected by athletes to stand for the four-year term from 2019 until 2022.

Rio 2016 gold medallists Georgie Twigg (hockey) and Callum Skinner (cycling) have been elected for the first time, as have two-time Olympic swimmer Liam Tancock and two-time Winter Olympian Aimee Fuller (snowboarding). They join eight existing members on the commission.

Wolverhampton gymnast Thomas – who trained at Earls Gymnastics Club in Halesowen and lives near Cannock – announced his retirement form gymnastics in 2017. He now coaches at Park Wrekin Gymnastics Club in Telford.

“I was personally delighted at the strength of all candidates who stood for election and I am proud that we have so many Olympians who are willing to stand up and carry the voice of their fellow athletes,” said BOA athletes’ commission chairman Ben Hawes.

The 13-member commission contributes to a variety of projects such as the development of the team’s values and philosophy, team kit, athlete opportunities and transition, team member agreements and inputting into accreditation panels and Games-time welfare planning.

It also works with the BOA and other stakeholders to ensure teams competing at all Olympic Games are as best prepared as possible.