Dear Athletes,

This has been an extremely challenging year for all of us with global sport coming to a halt because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. However, in the face of uncertainty, sadness, and adversity, we have been inspired by the enduring strength and perseverance of the athlete community.

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) recently eliminated two Olympic Canoe Sprint events in favour of two Extreme Slalom events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Athletes are calling on the ICF to take immediate action to either revoke the decision or immediately negotiate with the IOC to add two additional medal events to Paris 2024 Olympic Program.

Global Athlete has been a strong supporter of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. We are thrilled that following unanimous consent by the US Senate, President Donald Trump has now officially signed the Act that will enhance clean sport efforts globally.

Athlete representatives from 14 countries join forces with 14 leading National Anti-Doping Organizations to collectively call on meaningful reform at the World Anti-Doping Agency. As individual organizations, we have repeatedly submitted formal proposals for change. Now we speak collectively to elevate our call for more independence, transparency, and accountability at WADA.

With the recent removal of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) interim president, the IWF leadership continues to play games with the athletes’ livelihood while simultaneously endangering the sport’s reputation and Olympic Games standing. Athletes will stand for it no longer.

Today the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to act against Iran in response to the execution of Iranian Wrestler Navid Afkari. Navid was tortured and murdered for peacefully protesting. He was targeted by the regime because of his high-profile as an athlete.

We call on athlete solidarity to demand that the International Olympic Committee and the United World Wrestling immediately implement sanctions that expel Iran from world sport for this heinous execution.

Calling on Athletes, Athlete Groups and Sport Leaders to Speak Up in Support of Iranian Wrestler Navid Afkari. Wrestling Athlete Navid Afkari was to be executed on 9 September 2020 for peacefully and publicly protesting the Iranian regime. However, Navid is believed to still be alive in a high security prison. All communication from him has ceased, and his parents have lodged a formal request for him to be medically examined for evidence of torture.

Wrestling Athlete Navid Afkari to be Executed on 9 September 2020 for a Peaceful Public Protest Against the Iranian Regime. Global Athlete demands that the head of Iranian Judiciary and the Iranian Supreme Leader immediately halt plans for the execution of wrestling athlete Navid Afkari scheduled for Wednesday 9 September 2020.