Australian Robyn Smith Re-Elected To IPC Governing Board 

Paralympics Australia has congratulated leading Australian Paralympic administrator Robyn Smith on her re-election as a Member-at-Large to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board. 

Smith, who also serves on the Board of Brisbane 2032, was one of seven Members-at-Large elected following the completion of elections during the IPC Extraordinary General Assembly held online on Thursday. 

Re-elected to a second term, Smith joins Debra Alexander (RSA), Chelsey Gotell (CAN), Fernando Riaño (ESP), Mohamed Duaij Alkhalifa (BHR), Miki Matheson (JPN) and Bradley Snyder (USA) as elected Members-at-Large. They join Andrew Parsons (BRA) as President for a third term, and Leila Marques Mota (POR) and John Petersson (DEN) as Vice-Presidents, who were elected at the IPC General Assembly in Seoul in September. 

The newly completed Board also includes IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson Vladyslava Kravchenko and First Vice-Chairperson Josh Dueck, ensuring athlete representation continues to sit at the heart of IPC governance. 

IPC President Andrew Parsons said: “Following today’s online IPC Extraordinary General Assembly, I want to congratulate the seven Members-at-Large who were elected by the IPC membership. 

“We now have a 12-strong Board which, due to its diversity and experience, will bring immense strength to propel the Paralympic Movement forward over the next four years. 

“The Board boasts six males and six females, and all five regions are represented. Within the Board there are eight Para athletes and Paralympians, which means that athletes’ perspective will continue to be taken into account on all issues and Board decisions. 

“To the outgoing Board members, I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their tremendous work. I am proud to have worked alongside you in service of our members and the athletes they serve.” 

Paralympics Australia President Grant Mizens said Robyn Smith’s re-election reflects her exceptional leadership and decades of service to the Australian and global Paralympic communities. 

“Robyn has been an extraordinary champion for Para-sport in Australia over many years, and her re-election is richly deserved,” Mizens said. 

“Her strong voice, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to athletes have shaped the direction of our Movement both here and internationally. Her continued role on the Governing Board is significant not only for Australia, but for the entire Oceania region. 

“This next four-year term is particularly important as we work towards delivering a truly world-leading Paralympic Games in Brisbane in 2032. Robyn’s leadership will be vital in ensuring the Movement is prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.” 

Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said PA is eager to continue its close cooperation with the IPC and stands ready to support Smith throughout her second term. 

“Robyn’s contribution over her first term on the Board has been outstanding, and her re-election provides great continuity at a time of enormous momentum for the global Paralympic Movement,” Murray said. 

“Paralympics Australia deeply values our partnership with the IPC, and we look forward to working closely with President Andrew Parsons and the newly elected Board to advance Para-sport across our region and globally. 

“As we prepare to host the Paralympic Games in Brisbane, ensuring strong alignment with IPC leadership has never been more important. Robyn’s ongoing presence on the Board will be instrumental in helping us maximise the opportunities of a home Games and deliver what we believe can be the most successful Paralympic Games in history.” 

All members of the IPC Governing Board elected in 2025 will serve a four-year term through to the 24th IPC General Assembly, to be held in late 2029.

By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.

Published 24 November, 2025.