Three-time Olympic champion emerges World Aquatics first Athlete Engagement Director

World Aquatics has appointed three-time Olympic champion Ranomi Kromowidjojo as its first Athlete Engagement Director, a newly created senior leadership role reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to putting athletes at the heart of its work.

In this position, Kromowidjojo will lead the full spectrum of athlete-facing services across World Aquatics, ensuring a supportive experience for athletes at every stage of their careers. 

Kromowidjojo will oversee the development and management of World Aquatics’ athlete support systems. She will work closely with the Development and Sport Departments, and report directly to Executive Director Brent Nowicki.

One of the most successful sprint freestylers in the sport’s history, Kromowidjojo won 17 medals across her career at the World Aquatics Championships. She claimed the Women’s 50m and 100m Freestyle double at London 2012 – among the three Olympic gold medals she won over the course of her career. 

Since retiring in 2022, Kromowidjojo has remained closely involved with the sport, most recently as a World Aquatics ambassador at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025.

“Ranomi has lived the athlete experience at the very highest level, and she understands first-hand what it takes to support athletes throughout their careers and beyond,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam. 

“As we continue to strengthen our direct engagement with athletes, having someone of Ranomi’s calibre, credibility and lived experience leading this work sends a clear signal about how seriously we take that responsibility. I have no doubt she will make a real difference in the lives of athletes from all aquatic sports around the world.”

Kromowidjojo will begin her new role on 1 October.

“I’m honoured to take on this role and to help shape what athlete support looks like at World Aquatics,” Kromowidjojo said. “Having competed at the highest level myself, I know how much it means to feel genuinely supported throughout every stage of an athlete’s journey. I’m looking forward to working closely with athletes across all aquatic sports to make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met.”

The creation of the Athlete Engagement Director role forms part of World Aquatics’ wider commitment to strengthening its direct engagement with athletes, ensuring their experience both in and out of the water remains central to the organisation’s mission.