THREE-time Modern Pentathlon Olympian Natalya Coyle has been elected to the Olympic Federation of Ireland Athletes’ Commission for the 2022-2024 term. Coyle and the seven other athletes were elected by Irish Olympians.

She is joined on the commission by Olympic silver medallist in sailing, Annalise Murphy and two-time Olympic bronze medallist in boxing Paddy Barnes, as well as Sanita Puspure (rowing), Brendan Boyce (athletics), Claire Lambe (rowing), Shane O’Connor (alpine skiing) and David Harte (hockey).

The recruitment process saw 13 applicants run as candidates in the election. All Irish Olympians were eligible to vote in an online platform.

The regulations made allowance for a minimum gender balance of 40%. However, it was not necessary to invoke any of these mechanisms as the election produced a naturally occurring 50:50 gender balance.

Sarah Keane, President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, congratulated the successful candidates: “Congratulations to all the successful candidates who have now become members of the Olympic Federation of Ireland Athletes’ Commission. We are confident that the athlete voice will be represented well and that you will continue to drive sport forward, each of you bringing with you a wealth of experience.

“I also want to thank the outgoing Athletes’ Commission who have worked really hard in important areas in sport.”

The outgoing OFI Athletes’ Commission, who were appointed in 2017, included Ireland’s 2016 Rio Olympic dressage rider Judy Reynolds.