Great Britain’s Bianca Cook, formerly known as Bianca Walkden, added her signature to the Olympian Wall at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, during a visit announced by World Taekwondo on October 5.

The bronze medallist at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 was in Lausanne to attend the IOC/ASOIF Women Leadership Programme, which supports women in taking on leadership roles and helping shape the future of sport.

Her visit to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee brought together two stages of her sporting journey: her achievements as a Taekwondo athlete and her participation in a programme aimed at developing leadership beyond competition.

A connection that continues after retirement

By signing the Olympian Wall, Cook joined thousands of Olympians from different generations, editions of the Games and regions of the world. The tradition recognises their achievements and celebrates their lifelong connection to the Olympic Movement.

“After recently retiring, you sometimes feel as though the Olympic Games are behind you. Coming back to Olympic House today reminded me that being an Olympian is forever. It stays in our hearts and becomes part of who we are, and it is special to know that the journey continues long after competition ends,” Cook said in the World Taekwondo release.

For the British athlete, the visit offered an opportunity to reflect on that continuing connection while exploring a new direction in sport. Her participation in the leadership programme represents a step towards contributing beyond the competition floor, drawing on the experience gained throughout her Taekwondo career.

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Claudio Aranda

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