Bridgitte Hartley ready to serve another four-year term on the Athletes' Commission
28th November 2024
By
South African canoeing icon Bridgitte Hartley has indicated her interest in running for a second term on the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) Athletes Commission, should the opportunity arise.
Hartley, who won a bronze medal in canoeing at the 2012 Olympic Games, currently serves as the vice-chairperson of the Commission. The Commission's four-year term has ended, and the election to elect a new commission is still to be determined.
She told SABC Sport that while the election was not on her mind, she would be open to seeking re-election.
''To be honest, I haven't actually thought that far. But I have enjoyed the journey with Khotso and I haven't thought of the process going forward. But if I do get an opportunity to do it again for another four years. I feel like I would try and be a little bit more invested in the project. I feel like whenever we worked together we made a big impact,'' said Hartley.
Hartley reflects on the valuable lessons she’s gained while serving on the Commission under the mentorship of athletics legend Khotso Mokoena. Her global travels, where she met influential leaders, have played a significant role in shaping her approach to serving the sport today.
''So the last four years working under Khotso Mokoena, with all the other committee members with the help of the Olympic committee. I think we have brought forth projects to help improve the state of athletics in the country,'' added Hartley.
During her canoeing career, Hartley recalls that athletes did not have platforms like the Athletes' Indaba to voice their concerns to SASCOC, as the current generation of athletes does.
''As far as I remember there was one, but I don't remember there being Indabas like we have had in the last couple of years. But I do know that the international committee has been trying to run projects to encourage countries and their athletics commission to run these projects by offering the funding but you got to put a project forward,'' she expressed.
Hartley urges athletes to take advantage of the opportunities provided by attending the sports indaba and engaging with the Athletes Commission to advance their interests and careers.
