Why are you running as a candidate for the ISSA Athletes' Commission?
"I am running as a candidate for the ISSA
Athletes’ Commission because I deeply believe
that athletes are the foundation of our sport
and that their voices must be strongly
represented in every decision-making process.
As an athlete who has competed at the highest
international level, including becoming a World
Champion, I have personally experienced both
the challenges and opportunities that athletes
face in their careers.
My motivation comes from a genuine
commitment to serve the athlete community,
ensuring that their perspectives, concerns, and
aspirations are always heard and respected. I
want to contribute to building a fairer, more
transparent, and athlete-centered environment
within our sport, where integrity, equal
opportunities, and respect for diversity are
prioritized.
I also see this role as a chance to give back to
the sport that has shaped my life. By serving on
the Commission, I can work to improve
conditions for current athletes while also paving
the way for the next generation. I believe the
Commission can act as a bridge between
athletes and decision makers, and I am
determined to ensure that the athlete
perspective is not just considered, but placed at
the heart of the ISSA’s work."
Ali Davoudi
Weightlifting AthleteAs a World Champion and Olympic medalist, I
have had the privilege of competing at the very
highest levels of our sport. These experiences
have given me a deep understanding of the
physical, mental, and emotional demands
placed on athletes, as well as the structural
challenges they encounter both on and off the
platform.
Beyond my athletic career, I have actively
engaged with fellow athletes, coaches, and
officials, which has allowed me to understand
the diverse needs of athletes from different
backgrounds and regions. I also have
experience representing my national team in
international competitions, where I have learned
how important it is to build strong
communication and trust between athletes and
governing bodies.
These experiences have shaped me into
someone who not only understands the athlete
perspective but is also prepared to advocate
effectively on their behalf. I bring dedication,
discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility—
qualities I believe are essential for serving on
the Athletes’ Commission.
My fellow athletes should vote for me because I
am committed to representing them with
honesty, integrity, and determination. I know the
challenges we face, not only in competition but
also in the areas of support, development, and
athlete welfare. My goal is to ensure that every
athlete’s voice—regardless of nationality,
background, or level of success—is valued and
taken seriously.
I am not running for personal recognition, but to
serve as a strong and reliable advocate for all
athletes. I will work tirelessly to promote
fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities,
while also pushing for initiatives that improve
athlete welfare, education, and post-career
support.
As someone who has benefited greatly from this
sport, I feel a responsibility to give back by
helping shape a better future for all athletes. By
voting for me, you are choosing someone who
will listen, communicate, and fight for your
interests at the highest level. Together, we can
ensure that the athlete’s voice remains central
in shaping the future of our sport.
The biggest challenge I have faced as an
athlete was overcoming a significant injury that
threatened my ability to compete at a high level.
During this period, I had to undergo intensive
physical therapy while maintaining my mental
focus and motivation. It was not only physically
demanding but also emotionally testing, as I had
to accept limitations while striving to regain my
previous performance.
This experience taught me resilience, patience,
and the importance of a strong support system.
I learned to set small, achievable goals,
celebrate progress, and maintain a positive
mindset even when setbacks occurred.
Overcoming this challenge strengthened my
dedication to my sport and reinforced my belief
that perseverance and hard work can overcome
almost any obstacle.
Facing this difficulty also gave me a deeper
empathy for fellow athletes, as I now
understand the pressures, frustrations, and
sacrifices involved in returning from injury. This
challenge ultimately shaped me into a stronger,
more determined athlete who values both
personal growth and the lessons learned
through adversity.
My brother was involved in and he became my
role model.
Sport has had a profound impact on my life,
shaping not only my career but also my values
and character. From a young age, weightlifting
taught me the meaning of discipline,
perseverance, and resilience. Every challenge,
every training session, and every competition
has helped me grow as a person both inside and
outside of sport.
Through weightlifting, I have had the
opportunity to represent my country on the
world stage, which has been both an honor and
a responsibility. This experience has given me a
deep appreciation for teamwork, unity, and
cultural exchange with athletes from across the
globe.
Most importantly, sport has taught me how to
face setbacks with determination and how to
celebrate victories with humility. It has given me
purpose, direction, and the opportunity to
inspire others. Without sport, I would not be the
person I am today.
If elected to the ISSA Athletes’ Commission, my
top three priorities would be:
- Athlete Welfare: Ensuring that all athletes have
access to safe training environments, proper
medical support, and programs that protect
their physical and mental health.
- Fairness and Equality: Advocating for equal
opportunities for athletes from all countries and
backgrounds, and promoting transparency in
rules, selection processes, and decision-
making.
- Athlete Development and Transition:
Supporting initiatives that help athletes balance
their sporting careers with education, and
providing resources to prepare them for life
after competition.
- These priorities reflect my belief that athletes
deserve not only the chance to succeed in sport
but also the support to build sustainable
futures.
Disciplined – Responsible – Supportive
I am deeply passionate about my family, sport,
and the strong friendships that I have built
along the way. My family is my foundation; they
provide me with strength, motivation, and
perspective in everything I do. The love and
responsibility I feel toward them keep me
grounded and focused.
Sport, and weightlifting in particular, is my
lifelong passion. It has given me a platform to
grow, to compete, and to inspire others. Every
day, I dedicate myself to improving, not only to
achieve personal goals but also to represent my
country and contribute to the global
weightlifting community.
Finally, I value friendships—especially those
formed through sport. Competing internationally
has allowed me to meet athletes from around
the world, and these relationships have
enriched my life, teaching me the importance of
respect, cultural understanding, and solidarity.
These three passions—family, sport, and friends
—define who I am and drive me to give my best
in every aspect of life
The athletes’ voice is important to me because
athletes are the true heart of sport. Without
their dedication and sacrifices, no competition
or federation could exist. It is therefore
essential that their views and experiences
directly shape the decisions that affect them.
As someone who has trained and competed at
the highest level, I know firsthand the
challenges athletes face. Too often, important
decisions are made without sufficient
consultation with those most affected: the
athletes themselves. This can lead to policies
that do not fully address their needs or protect
their welfare.
By ensuring that the athletes’ voice is strong
and respected, we can create a more
transparent, fair, and supportive environment. I
believe that athletes should not only be heard
but also actively involved in shaping the future
of our sport.
For me, representing and amplifying this voice is
both a responsibility and an honor. It is the key
to protecting the integrity of sport and ensuring
that future generations of athletes can thrive.
