Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh elected to be an International Olympic Committee member

Oscar-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh addresses a media conference on road safety at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

MUMBAI, India (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday despite some “no” votes from her new colleagues.

Eight new IOC members were voted in to make a total of 107 drawn from royal families, sports officials, current and former athletes, and leaders from politics and industry.

ADVERTISING


After being summoned to the lectern by Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, the longest serving IOC member at 39 years, Yeoh read the 104-word oath while holding a corner of the Olympic flag — white with five colored rings.

“I promise to fight against all forms of discrimination and dedicate myself in all circumstances to promote the interests of the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Movement,” Yeoh said to complete the oath.

Like the other new recruits, Yeoh was presented with a golden medallion by IOC president Thomas Bach.

Member duties at annual IOC meetings include approving recommended candidates as future Olympic hosts. In Paris next year, they could also be asked to change Olympic rules to allow Bach to seek a third term as president in 2025 beyond the current 12-year limit.

Yeoh, who has ties to the United Nations representing her home country Malaysia, was elected in a 67-9 vote by secret ballot. Her membership comes in the same year as her Oscar win for best actress in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

She also is an international campaigner for road safety in partnership with her husband, Jean Todt, the former head of the Ferrari team in Formula One racing. He also previously served as president of FIA, the governing body of motorsports.

The only unanimous vote Tuesday was the 76-0 result for Cecilia Tait, a three-time Olympian in volleyball and a former congresswoman from Peru.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Star-Advertiser's TERMS OF SERVICE. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email hawaiiwarriorworld@staradvertiser.com.