The main speaker of the event was two-time Olympic rowing champion, Norwegian Olaf Tufte, who debated with Allar Raja, Olympic bronze medallist and a member of the EOK Athletes’ Commission.
The athletes’ forum is an event created by athletes for athletes, where participants can draw inspiration from the success stories of others and learn from the experiences of top foreign athletes. The main speaker of the event was Norwegian rower, and two-time Olympic champion Olaf Tufte, who debated with Estonian Olympic medallist Allar Raja, a member of the EOK Athletes’ Commission.
„I like to share my thoughts with the athletes. Sometimes it is better to guide them not steer them and tell them how to do things. We have to be role models to set the example," said Tufte.
Gerd Kanter, the chairman of the EOK Athletes’ Commission, emphasized the importance of the athletes' forum.
"The bigger our horizons are, the more knowledge we have, the more successful we are in sports. Playing sports is not just a sport, it is something more, and it is crucial that we can share our experiences with others," said Kanter.
Kanter, an Estonian former footballer and now a coach Martin Reim, and Magnus Kirt, the 2019 world silver medalist in javelin, shared stories about their careers as an athlete who became a coach. Two-time cross-country skiing Olympic champion Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, freestyle skiing Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Sildaru and 2011 European champion in long jumping Ksenija Balta talked about coping with the injuries.
Two-time disc golf world champion Kristin Tattar, former tennis player Katriin Saar and decathlete Johannes Erm shared their experience of fighting burnout. The event was moderated by Ott Kiivikas, a EOK Athlete’s Commission member.
The Athletes’ Commission of EOK aims to represent athletes' interests and submit their views and recommendations to EOK. The Commission is actively involved in protecting athletes' rights in the spirit of fair play, and in initiating projects aimed at them.