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Troy Garton (L) graduates from the NZOC Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme
Commonwealth Games boxer Troy Garton has been elected to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) Athletes' Commission.
A two-time Commonwealth Games representative, Garton won bronze at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games before representing the New Zealand Team again at Birmingham 2022.
She joins the Commission having recently established the Boxing New Zealand Athlete Commission and believes her experiences in high performance sport, in particular making a return to competition after having a child, gives her a well-rounded athlete perspective.
Garton was proud to be announced as the successful candidate.
“It’s an honour to be voted in by my peers and I want to acknowledge and thank the other candidates who stood for election,” said Garton.
“I was lucky to take part in the most recent NZOC Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme where I explored the topic of pregnancy, motherhood, and returning to high-performance sport. This strengthened my passion for ensuring athletes' voices are heard through every stage of their sporting journey.”
“I’m looking forward to joining the Commission, listening, learning and contributing where I can to help promote the athlete voice within the NZOC,” she said.
Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, Richie Patterson, welcomed Garton to the group.
“We’re excited to have Troy join the NZOC Athletes’ Commission and bring her experience to the table. She brings a different set of eyes, brings a perspective as an elite athlete in a smaller, less funded sport, further helping to give our Commission a well-rounded viewpoint,” said Patterson.
“Troy has already shown a commitment to athlete advocacy in setting up the Boxing New Zealand Athlete Commission, so her appointment feels like a natural and progressive step,” he said.
NZOC CEO, Nicki Nicol, reinforced the important work of the Athletes’ Commission.
“Athlete voice is at the heart of decision making at the NZOC and the Athletes’ Commission is the vehicle for this to be heard. We’re committed to listening to athletes and ensuring our work reflects their needs and desires and I’m sure Troy will continue to enhance this kaupapa” said Nicol.
About the NZOC Athletes' Commission
The NZOC Athletes' Commission is an advisory group made up of Summer and Winter Olympians and Commonwealth Games representatives. The Commission acts as the athlete voice within the NZOC, helping ensure athletes' views are represented, heard and considered in NZOC decision making.
Commission members provide athlete input on matters affecting athletes and contribute to discussions that help shape the future of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games movement in New Zealand.