The Christopher Samuda-led administration of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), prior to coming into office, promised that athletes would have an influential voice at the highest level of sport, and a constitutional right to representation.

Accordingly, in a meeting of the general assembly early this year, the JOA’s constitution was unanimously amended to create an athlete director’s voting position on the board and to expressly recognise the establishment of an Athletes’ Commission.

The commission was established and met after the meeting and well known and respected Olympian, Michael Frater assumed the presidency of the inaugural body.

A member of the World record-breaking 4x100m teams at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and the 2012 London Olympic Games, as well as the 100m silver medallist at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships, the well-decorated Frater comes to the table with a wealth of knowledge about, and experience in athletes’ affairs across disciplines.

An inductee in the Lettermen’s Hall of Fame at Texas Christian University and a distinguished graduate of TCU, where he earned a degree with a major in political science and a minor in history, Frater was named in 2003 Academic All American, awarded the 2002 Conference USA Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, and won the All American Athlete five times.

Frater, in his customary sedate style, said in response to this historic achievement: “I am fully aware of the responsibility I have to give a reasoned and an effective voice on behalf of athletes at the national table and, in so doing, to influence positively the development of sports administration. It is a historic achievement for all athletes, and I applaud the JOA for its vision and commitment.”

Frater is supported by a strong team of well known athletes including First vice-president Denise Cole equestrian; second vice-president Sashalee Wallen, volleyball; secretary general Shawn Barnes, skeet shooting; treasurer, Amal Knight, football; as well as commission members Chris Binnie (squash) and Vangelee Williams (netball).

The team will work closely with JOA Secretary General/CEO Ryan Foster in developing and executing strategic and development plans, and initiating collaborations with other athletes’ commissions as well as global sporting bodies and agencies.

In hailing the historic formation of the commission and Frater’s directorship, JOA President Christopher Samuda said: “Our athletes are why we all are here serving the national interest and, therefore, it is imperative for us to hear their voices, understand their thoughts, give meaning to their language, and embrace the lessons of their advocacy. I have every confidence that Frater, a man of integrity, will get the job done.”

The International Olympic Committee has long endorsed the need for athlete representation in policymaking and implementation in sport, and the JOA is now numbered among the several national Olympic committees globally whose athletes’ commissions inclusive of current and former Olympians are playing an integral role in the growth and development of sport.