Rhydian Cowley isn’t just chasing finish lines; he’s championing a cause. From fierce competitions to climate campaigns, the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) athlete has transformed his passion into worldwide recognition, earning a nomination for the 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Awards.
For the three-time Olympian, this nomination signals the culmination of a journey that’s taken him from the racewalking circuit to global advocacy for change. Cowley now uses his elite athlete’s platform to inspire environmental action and empower communities.
“It’s incredible to be recognised for work I’m genuinely passionate about,” Cowley explains.
The Paris 2024 bronze medallist’s commitment to sustainability extends across multiple fronts. An ambassador for the Sports Environment Alliance and EcoAthletes, he has collaborated with his sports organisations, including Australian Athletics and the VIS as a member of the VIS Sustainability Squad, to develop and implement climate action plans, whilst working part-time for conservation organisation Bush Heritage Australia.
His efforts have already garnered recognition, including the IOC P&G Athletes for Good Grant in 2023 and the BBC Green Sports Award in 2024.
But his work at the grassroots level, especially in the VIS Community Programs, sets him apart. Whether he’s delivering school talks or championing sustainability, Cowley inspires young people to get involved with sport and make a difference.
“Being a part of the VIS’s community programs has helped me refine and build confidence in how I communicate to audiences, whether it’s in a classroom or on a discussion panel at a sports environment summit,” Cowley said.
“I like to be involved and say yes to things, so while that does lead to the occasional very full day or week, it comes back to me choosing to do things that I enjoy and give me happiness because I know that is how I get the best out of myself as an athlete and a person.”
Photo: Cowley is an active member of the VIS Sustainability Squad.
One moment encapsulates his global reach. While competing in Japan at the recent World Athletics Championships, the Victorian accepted an invitation to visit a local school in person. What had begun as a virtual connection during a Green Sports Day event years ago evolved into something more meaningful.
“A few years ago, I supported Hamamatsu Kaiseikan High School in an online Green Sports Day event, speaking about climate change’s impact on sport. With the World Athletics Championships being held in Japan this year, and having kept in touch, the opportunity arose to visit in person after competition,” Cowley recounted.
It was my first time speaking to an audience in person outside of Australia, and the skills honed by being part of the VIS’s community programs prepared me to.
“The students were really engaged and well-researched with their questions. I think we all got a lot out of it. It was definitely a highlight of my trip.”
Photo: Cowley visited Hamamatsu Kaiseikan High School after the 2025 World Athletics Championships, which were held in Japan.
For Cowley, those moments, when a student’s eyes light up with the realisation that they have agency, reinforce his passion. The commitment to sustainability isn’t a separate endeavour from his athletic career; it’s woven into his journey as an athlete and as a member of his communities.
“As an athlete, I’m not in a big decision-making position like a CEO or politician. I do however have a platform to communicate with my community and advocate to decision makers in my community and in my sport,” Cowley said.
When it comes to advocating, teaming up with other people and other athletes who share values on issues is really helpful, so a lot of my advocacy is through joining campaigns and open letters organised through networks like EcoAthletes or Frontrunners.
“I have also found the athlete voice can be really important for driving change in your sport as well. Athlete Advisory groups have a weight behind them that can help steer better outcomes for sports. Together we reach out to where we can influence – whether reach is big or small, it adds up and can make a difference. I have been surprised several times by the impact a conversation has had.”
The IOC Climate Action Awards, supported by Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Deloitte, recognise exactly this kind of leadership. The awards celebrate actions by key stakeholders within the Olympic Movement to address climate change, with applications encouraging innovative projects that actively reduce climate impact and align with clear sustainability goals.
As news of his nomination spreads, Cowley remains focused on what matters most: inspiring the next generation to see themselves not just as observers of climate change, but as agents of solutions.
Cover photo credit: Light Knife
