September 07, 2024

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski to be joined by fellow athlete-actress—an Oscar winner—in IOC

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski to be joined by fellow athlete-actress—an Oscar winner—in IOC
Instagram/Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski brought absolute pride to the Philippines when she was elected to the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2020.

It was a huge leap after first being inducted as a member of the IOC in 2013. The promotion was seen as deeply valuable in further helping the development of sports in the Philippines.

Many may know Cojuangco-Jaworski as an actress or a commercial model, but she's also an accomplished equestrienne, winning the gold medal in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

Now, another former-athlete-turned-actress will join her in the IOC.

It's none other than Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh. 

According to a report by Reuters, she was voted as a member in a ceremony in Dubai on Tuesday.

"I remember when someone asked me, how did you become an actress? I always said, 'I never dreamt of being an actress, but as a child, I always dreamt of being an Olympian,'" said Yeoh in the report.

The 61-year-old Yeoh, the first Asian actress to win an Oscar, admitted that after her sports career ended early, joining the IOC became a goal.

"It has always been there and growing, but how do I find a way to join this (IOC) family? They are very tight-knit and also they have to be very sure that you share their passion, you share their commitment and ideology," added Yeoh. "It took me a little while to ensure this is what I do believe in and I need to be part of this family."

Many know that Yeoh won as Best Actress in last year's Academy Awards for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." But not many know that she was a junior squash champion in Malaysia.

Knee and back injuries, however, quickly derailed her squash career. But it was a blessing in disguise, as she found her true calling in entertainment. 

Now, as a member of the IOC, Yeoh has fulfilled her childhood dream as well and could enjoy the best of both worlds.

Maybe she and Cojuangco-Jaworski could link up soon. A game of squash perhaps? 

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