World-class sambo athlete Sydney Sy-Tancontian once again brought pride to the Philippines, this time not through her athletic prowess but her leadership in the sport.
Recently elected as the chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), Sy Tancontian, in just her second year on the commission, assumed the highest administrative role for athletes during the World Championship in Yerevan, Armenia.
Joining her in the newly elected Athletes’ Commission were Margarita Bazhayeva from Kazakhstan, Sasha Buwalda from the Netherlands, and Seidou Nji Mouluh from Cameroon.
Sy-Tancontian’s role as chairperson automatically grants her a seat at the FIAS Executive Committee.
In this position, she will represent the interests of all Sambo athletes, acting as the voice of the Athletes’ Commission.
The primary mission of the chairperson is to foster the athletes’ commission as a secure space for athletes to express their concerns, share ideas, implement programs that benefit Sambo athletes and support and formulate creative initiatives.
“Now that I will be chairing this commission, it’s my responsibility to create friendships and a safe space for my fellow athletes to speak up and voice their thoughts so that the sport will continue to grow and thrive through the athletes’ voices,” said Sy-Tancontian.
Sy-Tancontian, a two-time elected member of the FIAS Athletes’ Commission, feels honored to represent Sambo. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Sports Management at the University of Santo Tomas Manila in June, 2023.
Originating from a country that recently embarked on Sambo’s development, Sy-Tancontian aims to champion the sport in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Her journey began in 2019 when she applied for a position in the Athletes’ Commission, inspired by her predecessor, Laure Fournier, a distinguished athlete, eloquent speaker, and a remarkable mentor.
On the playing field, Sy-Tancontian’s skill is undeniable.
At the recent World Championship in November, she secured another bronze medal in the women’s sports sambo +80 kg category, following a similar achievement at the 2020 World Sambo Championship in Novi Sad, Serbia.
