Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons has been appointed to a key International Olympic Committee (IOC) role in the Olympic Programme Commission.

A three time ISA World Surfing Games Champion, Sally says it is a privileged position to have the spotlight on her sport.

“Looking down the list of people on the commission, it is quite special to have an Australian seat in such a small group, and especially for that to be awarded to action sports and fall into my hands. It is an unexpected wave that I will be really energized and excited to ride,” Sally says.

With the decisions regarding the Programme set to have an impact on all areas of the Olympic Games and Olympic movement, Sally believes she is in a great position to not only keep up with the traditions, but have the Games continue to be relevant to future generations.

“I have a close touch point with those generations because I am competing and traveling with them. You start to get a sense of the views and a lot of different opinions about where it is leading, and it [the role] is just bringing that vision to the table.

Sally after winning gold in the ISA World Surfing Games last year

“I also want to keep the tradition and history going because for me, that was my love of the Games and why I wanted to become an Olympian. I want to keep that thread going for the youth,” Sally says.

Most recently, Sally won a bronze at the ISA World Surfing Games, the first steppingstone to Paris 2024.

With the start of the 2023 season around the corner, Sally is gearing up for the Hawaii Billabong Pro Pipeline competition in January.

“These waves and line ups that are really serious and consequential raise the stakes. There is really high risk but it pushes you to learn and continually feel like a beginner at heart,” Sally says.

“I will be giving it my everything. I love representing not only my country but my local region, Gerroa. I have such great support year after year to do what I love and it will be no different next year. The longer I go, the more fulfilling it is.”

She will have plenty to fight for next year with her goal of winning a world title and qualifying for Paris 2024.