Michelle Yeoh is a member of the International Olympic Committee!
The Oscar-winning actor – and former junior national squash champion – was one of eight new members elected and asked to take an oath during a ceremony on Tuesday:
“I promise to fight against all forms of discrimination and dedicate myself in all circumstances to promote the interests of the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Movement,” she said.
According to the IOC, Michelle was voted in 67 to 9 by secret ballot. She’s now one of 107 members made up of sports officials, current and former athletes and more.
Speaking to the press after taking her oath, Michelle said, “I never dreamt of being an actress, but as a child I always dreamt of being an Olympian,” a dream that was cut short due to knee and back issues.
She added that sport was always a significant part of her life. In addition to her squash skills, she was also involved in athletics, swimming and diving.
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Sharing the news with her fans on Instagram, Michelle wrote: “So happy so humbled… It’s such a huge privilege to become an IOC Member. I understand the power that sport has to inspire people, change their lives and improve the world – and this is why I am so excited to become an IOC Member.”
Earlier this year, Michelle made history when she became the first woman identifying as Asian to win a Best Actress Oscar. The Malaysian-born star was recognised for her role as Evelyn Wang in Everything, Everywhere All At Once. (To be clear, there have been nominees and winners of Asian ancestry in the past including Merle Oberon and Vivien Leigh, however they never made their backgrounds public.)
Michelle also shared some big personal news with her fans in July this year – she married her long-time fiancé, motor-racing executive Jean Todt after a 19-year engagement! (Yes, you read that correctly!)
(Feature Image Credit: DFree/ Shutterstock.com)
