Louise Bawden joins athlete leaders at International Athletes’ Forum

FIVB Athletes’ Commission President Louise Bawden joined more than 400 athlete representatives from around the world at the International Athletes’ Forum 2025 in Lausanne, where sessions covered athlete representation, anti-doping, mental health and wellbeing, prevention of competition manipulation, social media, and Athletes’ Commission administration.

Bawden attends the Forum’s main session, which featured updates on Olympic Agenda reforms and the IOC AC Strategy.

“My impressions of the Forum have been very positive – there is a strong focus on supporting athletes at the centre of the Olympic Movement,” Bawden said. “Ensuring athletes have a ‘seat at the table’ but also know what to do with their opportunities to make a positive impact and influence change is so important. The information shared offers ideas and practical solutions in this space.”

Organised by the IOC Athletes’ Commission, the Forum opened with reflections on Olympic Agenda reforms and the IOC AC Strategy. Delegates heard from athlete representatives presenting examples of national-level athlete engagement and took part in breakout discussions on key areas relevant to their commissions.

Bawden (far left) participates in a session on competition manipulation – one of several breakout topics at the Forum.

Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal joined a live call in conversation with NBA great and IOC AC member Pau Gasol.

“Together they spoke beautifully about the power of representation and the importance of giving back,” Bawden said. “It was powerful to hear Rafael speak about keeping the highest standards of respect in competition and in your own behaviour. The messages are simple but critical to the integrity of sport and the spirit of the Olympic Games.”

Bawden with Pau Gasol, who spoke with Rafael Nadal during a live call at the International Athletes’ Forum.

The Forum also included presentations of best practices from athlete commissions.

“There is always something to learn and ways to improve,” Bawden said. “I think we can consider solutions for improved engagement through more consistent communication and finding opportunities for in-person connections. Development of a more strategic approach to the AC priorities can also improve synergies with broader FIVB focus areas as well as support prioritisation of the work of the AC.”

Bawden highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen support for players as they transition beyond sport.

“The FIVB will run the first volleyball and beach volleyball post-career program in 2025, called Beyond the Court. This is an important step to supporting the professional development of volleyball players,” she said. “We can also consider increasing the visibility of resources available to athletes via the FIVB website. IOC Career+ has a great range of educational and professional development resources, and some not just for Olympians, but all athletes, so we can help direct athletes to these.”

Bawden with IOC President Kirsty Coventry at the International Athletes’ Forum in Lausanne.

She noted that several areas require continued attention for the volleyball and beach volleyball community.

“In today’s world, many players need mental health and wellbeing support to withstand the pressures of being an elite athlete. Financial stability and planning for a life after sport are also key areas where we can improve outcomes for players in the FIVB ecosystem,” she said.

Reflecting on the opportunity to connect with athlete representatives from other sports and regions, Bawden said, “It has been an enriching experience to connect with other sports and learn about their approach to supporting their athletes. It is inspiring to be part of the broader AC community and share in common challenges and discuss potential solutions – most seem to recognise financial stability, education and professional development and mental health as key areas of challenge.”

“Following this forum, I bring back increased connections and a better understanding of the IOC Athlete365 landscape,” she added. “There are many opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing and I look forward to bringing those benefits back to the FIVB, and the beach volleyball and volleyball athlete community.”

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