Winning the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Award is an honor that fills me with gratitude, pride, and renewed motivation to drive sustainable change. The award, supported by Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Deloitte, rewards innovative projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of sport while inspiring the wider Olympic Movement to take action. It highlights my commitment to climate and sustainability leadership, grounded in both my Olympic journey and my dedication to coaching leaders to create substantial, lasting impact.

Receiving the IOC Climate Action Award from Marie Sallois, IOC Corporate and Sustainable Development Director in New York. Photo Credit: Joe Short

The IOC Climate Action Award aligns with my mission to foster resilience, collaboration, and actionable change among climate leaders worldwide. It’s a milestone that resonates deeply, especially as I work toward creating tangible shifts in industries from energy to tech, pharmaceuticals to sports. This recognition is more than an accolade; it’s an affirmation that the journey toward sustainability requires every bit of the determination and resilience that defined my Olympic career.

Why the IOC Climate Action Award Matters to Me

It’s incredibly meaningful that the IOC recognizes sustainability as integral to the Olympic ethos. Through this award, the IOC acknowledges that our athletic spirit, camaraderie, and global influence are valuable assets in addressing environmental challenges.

Each Olympian has a voice and platform that can inspire change. We’re uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between communities, industries, and nations - gaps we must close to turn the climate challenges into opportunities for a better functioning society that regenerates our planet. This award renews my commitment to using that platform for innovative, cross-sector partnerships and impactful climate solutions.

At its core, this award is a testament to how personal values translate into larger, collective action. Just as I committed to peak performance and teamwork as an Olympian, I now channel that same drive into the non profit I established, Climate Executive Coaching, to accelerate results for climate and sustainability leaders through professional coaching. This honor brings visibility to our efforts and underscores that every individual, team, and corporation has a crucial role in the path to sustainability. For me, it signals that the intersection of sports, business, and environmental stewardship can inspire bold initiatives for a healthier planet. This was especially evident at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sustainability was one of the core pillars of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, showing how the Olympic Movement enables big societal transformations.

Leveraging Deloitte’s Global Partnerships for Sustainable Transformation

In the pursuit of large-scale sustainability, partnerships are key. Deloitte’s strategic global positioning offers a unique advantage: access to a wide network of corporations, NGOs, and government bodies that are essential collaborators in climate action.
As I look ahead, my mentorship with Deloitte - one of the most influential consulting firms globally - presents extraordinary potential to drive change through strategic guidance, scalable solutions, and transformative projects.

Accelerating Global Climate Action Through Leadership Development

One of the most effective ways to foster climate action is through leadership development. Coaching climate and sustainability executives allows me to amplify impact by empowering those in influential positions with the courage to make difficult, transformative decisions. These leaders can drive initiatives that reduce environmental impact, increase operational efficiency, and champion climate-conscious innovations.

Inspiring Collaborative, Solution-Focused Action

A key principle I bring from my sports background is the importance of teamwork. Addressing climate change requires a collaborative, solution-focused mindset, similar to the strategy and teamwork needed to succeed in sports. I plan to expand my work with workshops, seminars, and culture-building programs that reinforce this principle. Whether in large corporations, startups, or nonprofit organizations, fostering a culture that values sustainability requires a joint commitment to shared goals and a problem-solving approach. See how AstraZeneca, a world leader in healthcare and sustainability, has benefitted from this innovative approach of bringing the Olympic mindset, science, and coaching to corporate sustainability.

Vision for the Future: Sustainable Progress Beyond the Award

Receiving the IOC Climate Action Award is a humbling reminder that while we’ve made strides, there’s still a long way to go. It’s a call to action to ensure that our efforts don’t stop at awareness but lead to measurable change. As I embark on this journey, I’m committed to creating a legacy of meaningful progress - one where climate action is embedded in every layer of an organization.

In the coming years, I envision my work empowering individuals and institutions alike to embrace sustainability not as a box to check but as a fundamental aspect of growth. Winning the IOC Climate Action Award is just the beginning; my goal is to contribute to a world where every action counts and every partnership advances us toward a sustainable future. This award strengthens my resolve to push forward, collaborate fearlessly, and champion the changes needed for a better, more resilient world.

Read the IOC Press Release announcing the winners of the 2024 IOC Climate Action Awards

Read Olympics.com article on Lina bringing the ‘Olympic Mindset’ to climate action