New members appointed to ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission

Six athletes have been voted on to the ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission following November’s election.

Three-time Paralympian and 2022 boccia world champion Claire Taggart was re-elected for a second term, while Paris 2024 gold medallists Jody Cundy (cycling) and Benjamin Pritchard (rowing) take up new positions alongside Tokyo 2020 wheelchair rugby champion Kylie Grimes, the first woman to win Paralympic gold in the sport; Powerlifter Louise Sugden, who claimed bronze in Tokyo and Joanna Butterfield, who transitioned to wheelchair curling in 2022 after a hugely successful Para athletics career which included club throw gold at Rio 2016.

The Athletes’ Commission elections take place every two years, with athletes able to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. There are 12 members in the Commission, which is currently chaired by Beijing 2008 rowing gold medallist Helene Raynsford.

Raynsford said: “This has been a hotly contested election and I am excited to work with those who have been elected. They say we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, thus I am really looking forward to seeing where the new and existing cohort can take the Athletes’ Commission, plus the Commission’s Sub-advisory Groups to next.

“The Athletes’ Commission provides an essential forum for all athletes to have their say and to input into key decision-making at ParalympicsGB, and as attention turns to the Milano Cortina 2026 and LA 2028 Games I know there will be fantastic opportunities to help shape the work of the organisation going forward.

“I would like to thank all of the outgoing athletes for their vital contributions to ParalympicsGB’s strategies and Games-time planning.”

The new members will take up their positions in the New Year, joining Charlotte Henshaw (canoe), Lora Fachie (cycling), Hannah Cockroft (athletics), Dave Ellis (triathlon) and Kelly Gallagher (Alpine skiing). Gaz Choudry (wheelchair basketball), Tania Nadarajah (archery) and Amy Truesdale (taekwondo) have stood down.

The Athletes’ Commission - established in 2013 - acts as an advisory group to ParalympicsGB across a range of issues. Over the last year the Commission contributed to key discussions and decisions on areas such as environmental sustainability, branding and future Games’ strategies. The Commission also represents the views of athletes to the board, Executive team and other working groups and committees, bringing the athlete voice to all levels of governance within ParalympicsGB.

ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission

Helene Raynsford (Chair) – retired (Rowing)

Joanna Butterfield (Wheelchair curling)

Hannah Cockroft (Athletics)

Jody Cundy (Cycling)

Dave Ellis (Triathlon)

Lora Fachie (Cycling)

Kelly Gallagher (retired, Alpine skiing)

Kylie Grimes (retired, Wheelchair rugby)

Charlotte Henshaw (Canoe)

Benjamin Pritchard (Rowing)

Louise Sugden (Powerlifting)

Claire Taggart (Boccia)