UNI World Players, a division of UNI Global Union, has released the results of a public poll conducted to gauge awareness and attitudes toward athletes' rights and representation at the Olympic Games. The survey, carried out by Ipsos among nearly 3,200 participants from Australia, France, and the United States following the 2024 Paris Olympics, indicates strong public support for better compensation for Olympic athletes and increased athlete involvement in decision-making processes.
The findings suggest that the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) current practices do not align with public expectations regarding athlete rights and representation. As seven candidates vie for the position of IOC President, which will be decided in March this year, UNI World Players is advocating for fair treatment of athletes and equitable distribution of revenue generated by the Games.
Key findings from the poll reveal that across all three countries surveyed, half of respondents were unaware if the IOC shares revenue with athletes. Only 18 percent correctly identified that it does not. A majority—65 percent—believe that Olympic revenue should be shared with athletes either directly or indirectly. Support was highest in Australia at 68 percent, followed by France at 67 percent and the United States at 59 percent.