Talihärm’s candidacy was submitted by the Estonian Olympic Committee in cooperation with the EOC Athletes' Commission. In addition to her athletic career, Talihärm serves as a member of the European Olympic Committees Athletes' Commission and contributes to the IOC Sustainability Working Group, where she advocates for environmentally responsible and sustainable sport.
“For me, sport is more than just performance – it's a community where every athletes voice deserves to be heard. I want athletes to feel that their experiences matter and that they are being considered – whether the issue is mental health, dual careers, or the impact of climate change on sport. My goal is to be a meaningful link between athletes and decision-makers,” said Talihärm.
President of the Estonian Olympic Committee, Kersti Kaljulaid praised Talihärm and expressed confidence in the sports community’s support:
“Johanna’s candidacy for the IOC Athletes’ Commission is a step toward amplifying the voice of small nations in the world’s largest sporting organization. She’s not afraid to ask the tough questions and ensures that integrity, dignity, and care are not just empty words within the Olympic movement. I sincerely wish her the best of luck,” Kaljulaid said.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission currently includes up to 23 members, the majority of members are elected by athletes during the Olympic Games and others appointed by the IOC President, in consultation with the IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, to ensure diversity in terms of sports, gender balance, and geographical representation. The commission is chaired by former ice hockey player Emma Terho (Finland), with Maja Włoszczowska (Poland, mountain biking) and Abhinav Bindra (India, shooting) serving as vice-chairs. Its members include several Olympic champions and medalists such as Allyson Felix (USA, athletics), Pau Gasol (Spain, basketball), Martin Fourcade (France, biathlon), and Federica Pellegrini (Italy, swimming).
Each elected commission member serves an eight-year term, acting as a bridge between athletes and the IOC's decision-making bodies.
Among the candidates
for the IOC Athletes’ Commission election in 2026 Milano Cortina are
representatives:
- Oleksandr ABRAMENKO (Freestyle Skiing, Ukraine)
- Zhanbota ALDABERGENOVA (Freestyle Skiing, Kazakhstan)
- Dario COLOGNA (Cross-Country Skiing, Switzerland)
- Yohan GONCALVES GOUTT (Alpine Skiing, Timor-Leste)
- Cong HAN (Figure Skating, China)
- Ilkka HEROLA (Nordic combined, Finland)
- Ádám KÓNYA (Cross-Country Skiing, Hungary)
- Magnus NEDREGOTTEN (Curling, Norway)
- Johanna TALIHÄRM (Biathlon, Estonia)
- Marielle THOMPSON (Freestyle Skiing, Canada)
- Yunjong WON (Bobsleigh, Republic of Korea)
All athletes participating in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games will have the right to vote in the IOC Athletes' Commission election. The newly elected members will be announced at the end of the Games.
Previously, Estonian Olympic discus throw champion and current EOK Vice President Gerd Kanter ran for the IOC Athletes’ Commission during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, but was not elected among the four elected from 24 candidates.