Wise Women - 11.18.22

Anita DeFrantz is a member of the International Olympic Committee. Anita was elected as an IOC Vice President to a second term in 2017, and also serves on the IOC Executive Board. Because she is also a lawyer, she serves on the Legal Affairs Commission of the IOC, which reviews its legal issues; on the Finance Commission, which reviews the IOC’s investments and spending plans; and is an advisor for the 2020 Tokyo Games Coordination Commission.

Before she joined the ranks of the IOC, DeFrantz captained the U.S. women’s rowing team and rowed in the eight that won a bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. DeFrantz served as Vice President of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee and was elected to IOC membership in 1986, making her not only the first African-American but also the first American woman to serve on the committee.

In 1987, DeFrantz began her 28-year presidency, stewarding the legacy of the 1984 LA Games as President of the LA84 Foundation, which received 40% of the 1984 surplus funds, totaling $93 million.