From bronze on the track to gold in leadership, Ximena Restrepo just added another historic chapter to her legendary career.
The Colombian trailblazer, who became her country’s first Olympic medallist in track and field back in 1992, is now stepping into a major role off the track.
She’s been elected to the Council of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), representing World Athletics for the 2025 to 2027 term.
Restrepo’s appointment follows the end of World Athletics President Sebastian Coe’s time on the Council. With her election, athletics keeps a strong seat at the Olympic table, and Restrepo becomes one of just two women on the ASOIF Council. That’s a big deal and Coe knows it.
“I’m proud that athletics continues to lead by example,” he said. “Ximena’s a medallist and a top sports leader. She knows the athletes are the heart and soul of the Games.”
Restrepo’s career has always been about blazing trails. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she scorched the track with a 49.64 in the 400m to grab bronze—still the national and South American record. That race made her the first Colombian athlete to medal in Olympic track and field, and the first Colombian woman to medal at the Games in any sport.
She went on to compete in four Olympics and three World Championships, hitting the finals in two of them. Regionally, she was a powerhouse, stacking up medals at the Pan Ams, Ibero-American Championships, and South American events.
In 2019, she broke new ground again, becoming the first woman elected as Senior Vice-President of World Athletics. Now, with her latest appointment, she’s helping shape the direction of the Summer Olympics.
Restrepo called the election “an incredible honor,” thanking the international federations that backed her. “I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me to represent their interests in the Olympic movement.”
Coe, stepping down from his ASOIF role, leaves with full confidence in Restrepo. “I’m delighted to see Ximena take this forward.”
