The shooting sport community is proudly represented at the latest International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session by two distinguished figures: Slovakian world champion Danka Hrbekova and three-time Olympian Gaby Ahrens from Namibia.
Hrbekova, a prominent figure in the world of shooting sports, holds a significant role in the IOC as a voting member, part of the key decision-makers eligible to vote for the next President of the IOC. A well-respected athlete and leader, she earned a bronze medal in women’s skeet at the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking a high point in her competitive career. Her dedication to the sport continued with a world championship victory in 2023, adding to a career decorated with four previous bronze medals at the World Championships.
Not only a world-class athlete, Hrbekova has been a powerful advocate for the sport and the Olympic Movement. She became a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 2012 and served as its Vice-Chair from 2018 to 2021. Her expertise and influence also led to her appointment as the Chair of the IOC Digital Engagement and Marketing Communications Commission, a role she holds with distinction. Additionally, Hrbekova has been Vice-President of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee since 2021 and has served as an IOC member from 2013 to 2021 and again from 2022 to the present day.
Meanwhile, Gaby Ahrens, whose legacy includes a bronze medal in women’s trap at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, continues to make a mark in the Olympic and sports administration world. Since retiring from competitive shooting, Ahrens has dedicated her time to sports governance. In 2023, she was elected as Chair of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Athletes’ Commission, where she represents the African continent on the IOC Athletes’ Commission. Her commitment to the growth of Olympic sports extends beyond her work in Africa—Ahrens is also the Vice-President of the Namibia National Olympic Committee and a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Committee.
Both Hrbekova and Ahrens have shown exceptional leadership and commitment to the shooting sport community, as well as the broader Olympic Movement. Their hard work and advocacy for athletes and sports have earned them the respect and admiration of their peers and supporters worldwide.
As the IOC Session continues, the shooting sport community stands grateful for the invaluable service provided by these two outstanding individuals, whose efforts contribute greatly to the advancement and success of both their sport and the Olympic values at large.