Federica Pellegrini was one of the four elected new members of the Commission, and collected 1658 votes from her fellow athletes. Charismatic inside and outside the water, the “Diva” sees her outstanding career rewarded with a strong presence within the International Olympic Committee.

Two-time Olympic medallist – gold in the 200m free in Beijing 2008 and silver in the same event in Athens 2004 – she is an example of successful longevity in Swimming. At the FINA World Championships’ level, Pellegrini collected 11 medals since her first presence at the FINA showcase in 2005. She was on the podium on eight successive occasions – an unmatched feat in the history of the FINA Worlds – in her pet event, winning gold on four occasions (2009, 2011, 2017 and 2019), silver in 2005, 2013 and 2015, and bronze in 2007. 

I warmly congratulate Federica Pellegrini, a great champion in FINA’s history, for her well-deserved election to the IOC Athletes’ Commission. She will undoubtedly stand for the athletes’ interests and for the benefit of Sport. She is an example to follow and an inspiration for all Swimmers around the world. At FINA, we were already proud of her achievements: now, the entire athletes’ community recognised her merit and ability to represent them. It is a very happy day for the entire Aquatics family!
By FINA President Husain Al-Musallam

Together with Pellegrini, the three other new elected members to the IOC Athletes’ Commission were: Pau Gasol (Spain, basketball), Maja Wloszczowska (Poland, cycling) and Yuki Ota (Japan, fencing).