In a historic decision at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, basketball legend Pau Gasol has been elected as the new Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC). The announcement, made on February 20, 2026, marks the first time a Spaniard has held this influential position, further solidifying Gasol’s legacy as a global leader in sports governance.
Gasol succeeds Finnish ice hockey Olympian Emma Terho, whose term concluded at the end of the Winter Games. His new role automatically places him on the IOC Executive Board, the organization’s highest decision-making body.
A Strategic Mandate for the “Gasol Era”
Gasol, a two-time NBA Champion and three-time Olympic medalist, has been a member of the commission since the Tokyo 2020 Games. His presidency, which runs until Los Angeles 2028, is expected to focus on the evolution of the modern athlete:
- The 360-Degree Athlete: Gasol has pledged to prioritize mental health and the “dual career” model, ensuring athletes have the tools to transition into professional life after sports.
- Integrity & Safe Sport: A vocal advocate for clean competition, Gasol will lead initiatives to strengthen anti-doping measures and create safe, inclusive training environments worldwide.
- Global Voice: He aims to increase the representation of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from developing nations, ensuring that the diversity of the 6 billion global football and sports fans is reflected in the IOC’s policies.