Rolland to Head FISA Athletes Commission

Sydney Olympic gold medallist Jean-Christophe Rolland has been selected by the FISA Executive Committee to become the new interim Chairman of the FISA Athletes Commission. The 33-year-old Frenchman replaces Canadian Kathleen Heddle who had chaired the Commission since November of 2000.

Rolland, who stroked the men’s coxless pair to a gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games, rowed at international level for over 10 years. He now works as an electrical engineer in a nuclear facility.

The Lyon native started his highly successful international racing career in the men’s eight switching several years later to the men’s four and the pair. Along the way he brought home 5 World Championship medals including two gold – in 1993 in the men’s four and the second in 1997 in the men’s pair.

It was also in the pair, along with long-time partner Michel Andrieux, that Rolland won two Olympic Games medals  – bronze in 1996 and then gold in 2000.

Although Rolland has retired from the international circuit he continues to row for his club and participates in national regattas in France.

The FISA Athletes Commission is one of 14 specialised FISA Commissions. Rolland, who as Chairman of a Commission now also sits on the FISA Council, is to serve as a voice within the international governing body of rowing for current active rowers.

He will provide a means of ensuring that the FISA Council is aware of the opinions of the rowers on all major issues affecting the sport.

Rolland’s selection by the Executive Committee lasts until the next Congress next September in Seville where the delegates of the National Federations will decide if he continues to serve out Heddle’s term until December 2003.