Olympian alumnus hoping to be elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission

Two-time Olympian Seyi Smith is working to lead Olympians from around the world in the battle against the issue of climate change.

Seyi previously competed in both the summer and winter games. He finished sixth in two-man bobsleigh at PyeongChang 2018, and at London 2012 he was part of Canada’s 4x100m relay team which crossed the finish line in third.  The celebration didn’t last long though as the team was disqualified for a lane infraction.

The alumnus works as an electrical engineer, with a speciality in renewable energy technologies. He is also a member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Sustainability and Legacy Commission.

Seyi is a sustainability champion who founded not-for-profit organisation Racing to Zero, helping grassroots sports organisations become greener and reduce their carbon footprint. He was awarded a 2021 OLY Canada Legacy Grant last year for this work.

The former athlete is now attempting to become part of the IOC’s Athletes’ commission. Between 2012 and 2020, Seyi represented Canadian athletes as a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, including three years as its Chair from 2017 to 2020. He has earned a reputation for empowering athletes, helping them develop inside and outside of sport, and making sure they are part of key decision making.  

Seyi said:

“One of my biggest goals is to help athletes around the globe amplify their voices so they can become more influential in the areas that matter to them most.”

Seyi is a candidate for one of two spots available on the IOC Athletes’ Commission when athletes vote at the upcoming Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Seyi commented:

“I want to help athletes lead the race to zero. We can be players in the biggest comeback story the world has ever seen.”

Seyi graduated with a masters in Renewable Energy Systems Technology in 2010.

Find out more about the IOC Athletes' Commission Election: Beijing 2022.