Each voter will be asked to select four candidates from four different sports to ensure a varied representation from the Olympic sports programme. The 21 candidates either took part in the Beijing 2008 Games or will be taking part in the London 2012 Games. Voting offices are set up in the Olympic Village, the Olympic Sailing Village and the Olympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint Village as well as in the cities hosting the football competitions.
The results will be announced on 9 August at 2 p.m. at the Village Media Centre in the London Olympic Village. After approval by the IOC Session on 12 August, the four elected athletes will become IOC members for an eight-year term of office.
Athletes have always been at the heart of the Olympic Movement, and in 1981 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes? Commission was formed. Led by its Chairman, who sits on the IOC Executive Board, the Commission represents the athletes within the Olympic Movement and upholds their rights and obligations.
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Click here to read the full election manual and to learn more about the 21 candidates.