World medallist, Olympian and 4-time European champion Kim Polling, originally from the Netherlands but now living and working in Italy, retired from elite competition in 2024, after the Paris Olympic Games. Life has changed a lot since then but Kim hasn’t. She has the same energy, the same drive to do good things and the same kindness she has always had.

“Now I’m a primary school teacher working in a bilingual primary school in Turin. I am teaching English in the mornings. I was training and studying together at the end of my competitive career so that I would have a clear transition.

Kim Polling at the Papp Laszlo Arena, Budapest.

Of course I’m not here in Budapest as a teacher, I’m here with the Italian delegation and am standing for a position in the IJF Athletes’ Commission. I’m only here for a few days. I think it’s an important role and a necessary commission. I see it as a bridge between the organisations and the athletes.

I’m very interested in the career after judo, for all athletes, and think maybe I’m in a nice position to support this idea. So many athletes struggle after they retire and this commission can help all sectors understand what it takes to make this big change successfully. I want to help and also to stay in judo.”

Full list of Athletes' Commission candidates, by continent.

Kim is one of the athletes standing for election for Europe and the election is happening NOW! Each continent has candidates to be voted for and the process is very easy.

The voting process.

All athletes present in Budapest are encouraged to visit the ballot box beside judogi control in the warm-up area of the Papp Laszlo Arena. There is an official available there to help ensure that voting is managed correctly and it only takes 30 seconds. Athletes, have your say and visit the ballot box from 9:30am to 5:30 pm each day, up to and including 19th June.

See also