Three-time Olympian Annette Edmondson honoured with IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Award

Three-time Olympian Annette Edmondson has been awarded the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions Award for Oceania.

A decorated track and road cyclist who won omnium bronze for Australia on the track at London 2012, three world championships and two Commonwealth Games gold medals, Edmondson was honoured by the IOC for her significant impact in sport through her advocacy and leadership, championing improved opportunities for female cyclists.

Through her sports management company Paradigm Shift Sports, Edmondson has been instrumental in empowering female athletes, challenging systemic barriers, and striving to improve professional conditions for women in cycling. Her work has helped secure increased financial support, contract negotiations and better working conditions for female riders, while mentoring more than 30 athletes and pioneering scholarships to support women in sport and in their post-athletic careers.

Edmondson is the first ever Australian female UCI Accredited Agent, and one of only five UCI Accredited females globally. As an Assistant Race Director of the Tour Down Under, she also played a role in elevating the status of women’s racing to the UCI WorldTour level, increased support for women’s teams and improved visibility of female athletes across the Tour festival.

Thirty-three-year-old Edmondson said it was special to be recognised with this IOC award.

“Throughout my career as an athlete, I saw such a shift in opportunities for female athletes and I’m honoured to be able to contribute to that change,” Edmondson said.

“The Olympics is an opportunity to show every country in the world to the rest of the world – it has an amazing power in society to create hope, drive change and provide exposure.

“I was lucky to be an Australian athlete and treated equally as part of the Australian national team, but it’s just not the case on the road cycling pro tour or in all countries.

“It can be really challenging if you’re trying to create change and fighting for those opportunities for those who are treated differently. There are so many people pushing really hard in this space, and while change can be slow there’s so much positive momentum.”

“Since retiring and starting Paradigm Shift Sports, I’ve been striving to help female athletes, and recently several male athletes, understand their worth and fight for what they deserve. My goal is to help create well rounded humans that are primed for success after sport as well. I would absolutely love for my athletes to look back in 20 years’ time, and see Paradigm Shift Sports as catalyst in their success both during and after their athletic careers.”

Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll commended Annette for her dedication to creating meaningful change in sport.

“Congratulations to Annette on this wonderful recognition for her commitment to making a difference for female cyclists, and athletes in general” Mr Carroll said.

“Annette has turned her experience as an elite athlete into a powerful force for change in sport. Her efforts to secure better professional opportunities, financial support and leadership pathways for female cyclists are making a tangible difference.

“We are proud to see her acknowledged for her outstanding contribution to sport and thank the IOC for honouring Annette as an IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion.”

This award comes weeks after track cyclist Kalinda Robinson was named an IOC Young Leader for 2025-28 and days after road cyclist Chloe Hosking was awarded a World Olympians Association grant to support women’s participation.

More information on the IOC GEDI Awards is available here.