Ivana Španović is a candidate for the European Athletics Athletes' Committee

Ivana Španović is standing for election to the European Athletics Athletes' Committee. Voting is taking place during the European Championships in Birmingham.

Accredited athletes can choose four women and four men for the new term. The voting period runs from 5 to 15 August.

The election is part of the Birmingham programme

European Athletics published the full candidate list before the championships began. Španović represents the Serbian federation in the election. Voting is available to accredited athletes at the event. The ballot therefore gives current competitors a direct role in selecting their representatives. The committee term covers the period from 2026 to 2030. Four female and four male candidates will receive places through the athlete vote.

Birmingham hosts both the competition and the election process. The two activities remain separate, although they involve many of the same accredited athletes. The candidate list combines active competitors and athletes with long championship careers. Španović's profile includes experience from competition and the wider demands around it. Travel, recovery, qualification schedules and anti-doping procedures affect athletes before the final result appears. A committee member can bring those daily concerns into formal discussions. Španović has competed in different cities, climates and stages of her career. That background helps her compare one local problem with patterns seen elsewhere. Accredited athletes decide the election through their votes. Career medals show her experience but do not replace the ballot.

Ivana Španović competes in the long jump at an indoor athletics meeting.

Španović brings long international experience

Španović has represented Serbia in senior international athletics since 2005.

Her career includes appearances at six editions of the European Championships. She has competed in both long jump and triple jump. Major championship experience has exposed her to qualification rounds, finals and long periods of travel. That record gives her direct knowledge of the demands placed on elite athletes. It also covers the changes that competitors face during a long career.

The candidate profile lists world, European indoor and Olympic medals. Those results explain why her name is familiar across the continental circuit. Španović's long jump career includes world, European and Olympic podiums. She has also adapted her training for the triple jump during recent seasons. Working across two field events brings different technical and physical demands. A long career has required decisions about recovery, competition planning and coaching changes. These experiences can support discussions about athlete welfare without revealing private medical information. They also show why support differs across career stages. Younger athletes often seek education and guidance, while veterans focus more on recovery and future planning. The committee represents athletes at both stages of an international career.

The committee represents athlete concerns

The Athletes' Committee discusses competition conditions, welfare, integrity and safeguarding. It also carries athlete views into conversations with European Athletics leaders. The committee chair also sits on the European Athletics Council with full voting rights. This gives the elected group a direct place in formal decisions. Representatives do not decide results or select national teams. Their work concerns the wider environment in which athletes train, travel and compete. Clear communication matters because competitors experience rules at track level. Their feedback can identify practical problems before later policy discussions.

Committee membership also requires listening to athletes from different events and countries. A jumper may therefore represent concerns that extend beyond field disciplines.

Španović said athletes need to be heard, respected and involved in decisions about their sport. She also stressed mutual understanding and strong representation. Her statement does not promise a specific rule change. It explains the principles she would bring to the committee if elected. The message connects current athletes with those approaching the end of their careers. Both groups can face different questions about support and future planning. Major championships operate under a fixed timetable and shared rules. Open communication connects athletes, organisers and federations during that process. Safeguarding and integrity are formal parts of the committee's work. European Athletics provides reporting routes for concerns raised by competitors. Committee members review how those rules operate across many federations. They also examine whether policy language remains clear for active athletes. Španović's statement places listening and respect at the centre of that process. The committee works collectively with European Athletics and other bodies. Its members gather views before meetings and report the discussion to their peers. That process combines direct consultation with public representation.

The ballot includes candidates from across Europe

The published list contains athletes from many member federations. Voters are choosing representatives for the continental body rather than one national association. Each candidate provides a short record of competitive experience. The profiles also explain what the athlete hopes to contribute during the new term. Španović is Serbia's nominee in that wider field. Her medals strengthen her profile, but accredited athletes make the final choice.

The election uses separate places for women and men. This structure guarantees representation from both groups in the completed committee. Voting continues through the championship accreditation period and closes on 15 August. The schedule allows athletes from different event days to participate. A sprinter who leaves early and a thrower competing later both receive access during the event window. The final group will include four women and four men chosen by their peers. Španović remains one of the female candidates until the count is completed. The elected members receive terms covering the period from 2026 to 2030. Španović represents Serbia in the election process.

The result will define the new term

Voting remains open until 15 August, so the final membership is not yet settled. Španović is a candidate and has not yet been elected. European Athletics will announce the chosen representatives after the ballot closes. All candidates remain on the ballot until voting ends.

Committee work continues outside championship week through meetings and athlete consultation. Elected members gather views beyond their own events and personal experience. Španović's international career connects her with competitors from several disciplines and countries. Her candidacy also adds Serbia to the election's broad European field. The role includes preparation, confidentiality and reports after formal discussions. Athletes are choosing representatives for a four-year term. Voting remains open in Birmingham until 15 August.