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I n November 2017, the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) announced the launch of Athlete365, an exciting new brand that has been created by athletes, for athletes, and which unites all of the IOC’s athlete-focused initiatives and communication. Building upon recommendation 18 of Olympic Agenda 2020, which emphasises the need to support athletes on and off the fi eld of play, Athlete365 aims to improve the way the IOC communicates with athletes, and to provide better support to them on their journey to the Olympic Games and beyond. It is hoped that this will build trust, increase engagement, and ultimately improve the relationship between athletes and the IOC. SUPPORTING ATHLETES EVERY DAY The platform was fi rst unveiled at the 8th IOC International Athletes’ Forum in Lausanne, and forms a vital part of the IOC AC’s new strategy, which will shape the work of the commission for the coming years. “Athlete365 is a new concept of communication with athletes that will bring it to a higher level,” explains Slovakia’s Olympic bronze medal- winning shooter Danka Barteková, who is a member of the IOC AC and chair of the commission’s communications working group. “We want to support athletes and communicate with them not only during Games-time, but every day – on their journey to the Games, and after the Games are over.” ATHLETE365 YOUR JOURNEY / YOUR FUTURE THE IOC ATHLETES’ COMMISSION HAS STRENGTHENED ITS SUPPORT FOR ATHLETES ON AND OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY WITH THE CREATION OF A COMPELLING, UNIFYING BRAND: ATHLETE365 A CONNECTED APPROACH For many years, the IOC has supported athletes on and off the fi eld of play through a number of coordinated programmes and events, including the Athlete Career Programme, Athlete Learning Gateway, Olympic Athletes’ Hub and IOC Space. Now, these initiatives will be united under one compelling brand, enabling the worldwide athlete community to better understand and connect with the different forms of help and guidance that are available to them. The support will be accessible via a centralised digital hub, physical outreach during Games time, and also locally through International Federations and National Olympic Committees. ATHLETE-FOCUSED CONTENT A key part of this enhanced support is communication, and Athlete365 will increase engagement with athletes on essential topics by providing content that is both relevant and timely, and which will empower athletes throughout their journey. To achieve this, content will be divided into six key areas: voice, learning, fi nance, careers, welfare and Games-time. Supporting imagery, meanwhile, will focus on the individual rather than the sport, and the journey rather than the competition. Athletes will be able to discover more at the Athlete365 Space during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, and their feedback will guide the future development of the platform. For more information, go to olympic.org/athlete365 28 OLYMPIC REVIEW 28 OLYMPIC REVIEW ATHLETE365