Backed by her numerous achievements on the global stage, the multi-champion Cuban athlete Omara Durand is among the candidates vying for a spot on the new Athlete Council of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The selection will take place during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
According to the publication JIT, the queen of the 100, 200, and 400 meters in the T12 category is one of the 26 candidates listed on the ballots between August 28 and September 8. All competitors will have the opportunity to vote in the Olympic Village, with six representatives ultimately being chosen to serve as the voice of the athlete community with disabilities. The president and vice president of the council will carry voting rights on the IPC Governing Board. The selected candidates will be announced during the closing ceremony of Paris 2024 and will join the three athletes confirmed during the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics.
It's worth mentioning that Cuba's world record holder was part of the Athlete Council elected during the Tokyo 2020 Games. However, the upcoming games hold special significance for the 32-year-old from Santiago, as she has announced these will be her final Olympics. "I feel nostalgic when I think about it. Running is the only thing I've done in my life. I'm satisfied with a wonderful athletic career, filled with unforgettable moments, as evidenced by each Paralympic, world, and Parapan American medal," she said in an interview discussing her impending retirement from the track.
Alongside other stellar athletes such as Robiel Yankiel Sol (long jump, T46 category), Leinier Savón (100 and 200 meters, T12), and Leonardo Díaz Aldana (discus, F56), the eight-time champion leads the delegation from Cuba at the event in France.
Omara Durand and the International Paralympic Committee's Athlete Council
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Omara Durand's candidacy and the IPC Athlete Council elections:
What is the International Paralympic Committee's Athlete Council?
The IPC Athlete Council is a body that represents the interests of Paralympic athletes, providing a voice for athletes with disabilities within the IPC's decision-making processes.
When will the Athlete Council elections take place?
The elections will be held during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, specifically between August 28 and September 8.
How many candidates will be elected to the Athlete Council?
Six candidates will be elected to the Athlete Council, with the president and vice president carrying voting rights on the IPC Governing Board.