Sports
IAAF Athletes Commission Elects New Chairman
Rozle Prezelj of Slovenia is
the new Chairman of the IAAF Athletes’ Commission, replacing Namibia’s Frank Fredericks, the world athletics ruling body said on Saturday in Monaco.
A press statement by the IAAF disclosed that Prezelj was elected at the Commission’s meeting in Monaco on Saturday, and takes over the position with immediate effect.
Prezelj represented Slovenia in the high jump at three Olympics and four IAAF World Championships.
A European under-23 champion in 2001, Prezelj set a national record of 2.32m in 2012 before retiring in 2014.
Britain’s marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe was nominated Vice Chairwoman of the commission.
After an opening address from IAAF President Sebastian Coe, and General Secretary/CEO Jean Gracia also in attendance, the Commission held fruitful and constructive discussions and debates during its meeting.
“I was very pleased to meet with our Athletes’ Commission.
“I offer my deepest thanks and gratitude to Fredericks, the outgoing chairperson, for his unstinting passion and commitment on behalf of athletes everywhere since he was elected in 2011.
“Many congratulations to his successor Rozle Prezelj and to Paula Radcliffe, the vice chairperson.
“They lead the Commission at a crucial time for athletics’ future.
“The Commission’s continued support and guidance is vital as we implement reforms across the IAAF and the sport to rebuild trust, in particular supporting clean athletes and honest competition,’’ Coe said.
Fredericks also said he was delighted to be succeeded by Prezelj, and wished him the very best as Chairperson.
“It’s been a pleasure to lead the Commission working with my fellow members to help promote the needs of the world’s clean athletes, which must be the IAAF’s primary responsibility.
“As an IAAF Council member, I will of course continue to offer a prominent voice in their support.”
On his part, Prezelj expressed that he was most gratified by the show of confidence from his fellow Commission members.
He added that he was pleased they were entrusting him with the big responsibility in these challenging times to represent the athlete community.
“I will do my very best to justify their trust as Chairperson. In taking over from Fredericks, I wish to thank him for his tireless commitment as an ambassador for athletes.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers1 day agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
News2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers