Pau Gasol Is The New Chair Of The IOC Athlete Commission

BusinessSportsMoneyPau Gasol Is The New Chair Of The IOC Athlete CommissionByTim Genske,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I have had a lifelong love of both history and the Olympics.Follow AuthorMay 17, 2026, 11:33pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 03: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)Getty Images(I recently interviewed Pau Gasol via written correspondence. His quotes are taken from the transcript of that interview.)When Pau Gasol speaks about the Olympic Movement, he does so with authority—not only as one of basketball’s most decorated international stars, but now as a leading voice helping shape the future of athletes worldwide.A two-time NBA champion, six-time Olympian, and one of Spain’s greatest sporting icons, Gasol has entered a new chapter of leadership through his role on the International Olympic Committee’s Athlete Commission. The transition from elite competitor to advocate has broadened his perspective. His mission now extends beyond performance and podiums.MADRID, SPAIN - JULY 05: Pau Gasol #4 of Spain and Aaron Geramipoor #23 of Iran during friendly match between Spain and Iran to preparation to Tokyo 2021 Olympics Games on July 05, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIn All Things The Olympic Athlete Must Have A VoiceIt centers on something deeper. “The priority,” Gasol tells me, “is not so much to rank issues, but to ensure that, across all of them, the athlete’s voice and inte...