PURPOSE OF THE WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION

The WMRA Athletes Commission exists to:

• Ensure the WMRA Council benefits from the perspective, experience, and technical insight of current and former international athletes.
• Provide a formal structure for athletes to express their views on matters affecting the discipline.
• Strengthen the sport through athlete-centred governance and continuous dialogue.

MEMBERSHIP FRAMEWORK

The Athletes Commission is composed of up to twelve members, selected according to WMRA’s established eligibility and election procedures. To ensure that the body reflects the competitive reality of modern mountain running, all members must have competed in a senior WMRA Championship or in the WMTRC Short Trail, Uphill, or Classic events within the past ten years. At least half of the Commission must consist of athletes who raced at the 2023 WMTRC in Innsbruck or the 2025 WMTRC, ensuring recent and relevant championship experience.

In order to maintain balanced international representation, no more than two athletes from any single country may serve simultaneously. Members are appointed for a four-year term and may stand for a second term provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Courtney COPPINGER at Smarna Gora 2025. Photo © WMRA- Marco Gulberti

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ATHLETES COMMISSION

The Athletes Commission serves as a consultative and advisory body whose primary responsibility is to support the WMRA Council by offering insights grounded in the best interests of mountain running. Its members raise relevant matters directly through the designated liaison, currently Council member John Bowden, and may provide structured feedback and technical guidance whenever requested by the Council.

The Commission also facilitates a consistent and open communication flow between the global athlete community and the WMRA, helping ensure that the needs, concerns, and aspirations of athletes remain central to governance. While its work is global in scope, the Commission operates mainly through electronic communication, allowing seamless collaboration across continents. In all its actions, the Commission is expected to uphold and reinforce the spirit, values, and integrity of mountain running.

The renewed Athletes Commission reflects WMRA’s long-standing belief that mountain running must grow WITH and FOR its athletes.
It plays a crucial role in:

• Supporting WMRA’s global development strategy
• Enhancing athlete involvement in governance
• Strengthening equality, diversity, and transparency
• Ensuring the sport continues to evolve with integrity and athlete welfare at its core

Florencia Milanesi, Tatra fest 2025. Photo © WMRA- Marco Gulberti

INTRODUCING THE MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY CREATED WMRA ATHLETES COMMISSION

CHARLOTTE COTTON (BEL)

Uphill and mountain runner for Belgium, top-10 World Cup athlete (2021–2023), three-time World Masters Champion and five-time European Masters Champion.

Primary school teacher with a background in psychology; passionate about athlete wellbeing, healthy body image, inclusion, and supporting women and masters athletes.

Full profile: https://www.wmra.info/charlotte-cotton/

COURTNEY COPPINGER (USA)

Former NCAA D1 All-American and professional steeplechaser; transitioned to mountain running in Flagstaff.

Bronze medalist at the 2025 World Cup Final, and silver medalist with Team USA at the 2025 WMTRC.

Coach and co-founder of a mentorship company for all-terrain female athletes.

Full profile:https://www.wmra.info/courtney-coppinger/

KIRSTY DICKSON (GBR)

International athlete for Scotland and Great Britain. Specialist in uphill-only races, passionate about expanding athlete participation, diversity, and the visibility of the WMRA World Cup.

Based in Edinburgh, deeply engaged in community building and advocacy for the sport.

Full profile:https://www.wmra.info/kirtsy-dickson/

FUJIO MIYACHI (JPN)

Long-time World Cup competitor since 2012; Japanese national team member at multiple World Championships (2013–2019).

Masters World Championships medalist (team bronze 2022, silver 2023).
Committed to strengthening mountain running across Asia and globally.

Full profile:https://www.wmra.info/fujio-miyachi/

FLORENCIA MILANESI (ARG)

Argentinian athlete, physiotherapist, and coach.
2022 South American Vertical Kilometer Champion; WMTRC Thailand competitor and active World Cup racer.

Based in Spain; dedicated to developing mountain and trail running in Latin America.

Full profile:https://www.wmra.info/florencia-milanesi/

MARía RODRÍGUEZ (COL)

With over 43 years of athletic experience, I have proudly represented my country in nine world-level events. In mountain running, I have achieved three South American Championship titles, a silver medal in the long-distance at Sierre Zinal 2004, and a bronze medal in Up Hill, Meduno 2025.

Full profile: https://www.wmra.info/maria-rodriguez/

MICHAEL SUTTON (NZL)

Commission member since 2023; three-season WMRA World Cup athlete.
Two-time New Zealand steeplechase champion and international race winner (Tarawera 21, Col de Vence, Grand Ballon).

Active community leader as Winter Club Captain, race organiser, and member of the Merrell Performance Team.

Full profile: https://www.wmra.info/michael-sutton/

View the WMRA Athletes Commission web page: https://www.wmra.info/about/athletes-commission/