Introduction

I am an Olympic karate champion (Tokyo 2020), multiple-time world and European champion, and a dedicated advocate for athletes' rights. As the current President of the IWGA Athletes' Committee, I have worked to ensure that athletes have a stronger voice, better conditions, and greater visibility within The World Games. My mission is to continue advocating for athletes, improving communication with the IWGA, and ensuring the best possible environment for all competitors. I also lead initiatives like ""Mother in Elite Sport,"" supporting elite athletes in balancing their careers and personal lives while competing at the highest level. Additionally, I have worked to strengthen the role of athletes within international sports organizations, pushing for greater representation, equality, and career development opportunities. If re-elected, I will keep working towards a fairer, more inclusive, and athlete-focused future for The World Games, ensuring that every competitor has the support, recognition, and respect they deserve, both during and beyond their competitive careers.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree, Sports Science 2004 Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
• Postgraduate, Sports and Intellectual Disability 2008 Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
• Bachelor’s Degree, Nursing, 2012  Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
• Master’s Degree Sports Management (MBA) 2024 LaLiga Business School 

Professional activities

• President Athletes Committee World Games Since 2022 current
• Member Spanish Sports Advisory Council Since 2023 current
• Member COE Athletes Commission Since 2023 current
• Founder and CEO PodiumVIP Since 2024 current
• Founder Chikara Club Since 2022 current
• Professional Athlete Spanish Karate National Team (2015 2022) 7 years

Sports admin functions

• Chair of the Interim Athletes' Committee of The World Games Since 2022 current
• Member Spanish Sports Advisory Council Since 2023 current
• Member COE Athletes Commission Since 2023 current"

Memberships

Member Spanish Women's Leadership Network Since 2024 (current)

Awards

• National Sports Award Best Spanish Athlete Premios Nacionales del Deporte
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo
• Guinness World Record Most Medals in the Karate1 Premier League
• Spanish Sports Press Association Award AEPD
• Annual Award of the Spanish Olympic Committee COE
• Admiral Award Best Female Athlete Donated Prize Money
• Karate Do Legend Award First Woman to Receive This Honor USA
• Cruz Blanca National Police of Spain
• Marca Leyenda Award

Other activities

• Ambassador - Reto Pelayo Vida (supporting cancer survivors through extreme expeditions)
• Ambassador - Iberdrola Women's Program (promoting women's empowerment and leadership)
• Founder - Children’s Gyms in Hospitals (creating fitness spaces for hospitalized children)
• Volunteer - National Paraplegic Hospital of Toledo
• Volunteer - Associations for Intellectual Disabilities (supporting inclusive sports and educational activities)
• Supporter - Various charity initiatives for children's education and empowerment

The World Games

1st Place (2022) and 2nd Place (2017) in Karate Kata at The World Games

World Championships

1st Place in Karate Kata at the World Championships (2018, 2021)

World Cup

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Olympic Games

1st Place in Karate Kata at the 2021 Olympic Games

Dear fellow athletes, As an Olympic and The World Games champion, I understand the challenges athletes face in and out of competition. As the current IWGA Athletes’ Commission President, I’ve worked to ensure athlete voices are heard, improve conditions, and create better opportunities. I advocate for stronger communication, increased visibility, and fairer policies. Initiatives like ""Mother in Elite Sport"" show my commitment to helping athletes balance careers and personal lives. If re-elected, I’ll keep fighting for your rights and future. Let’s build a stronger community—vote for me! Sandra Sánchez

Q1 Why are you running as a candidate for the IWGA AC?

I’m running to amplify athletes' voices, improve conditions, and ensure fair opportunities at The World Games.

Q2 What experience do you have that you would bring to the IWGA AC?

As IWGA Interim Athletes' Committee President and athlete representative, I’ve worked to improve communication, policies, and athlete support for fairer conditions and stronger representation.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

I’m committed to strengthening athlete representation, improving conditions, and ensuring your voices are heard at The World Games.

Q4 What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an athlete?

I know what it’s like to fight for every opportunity. I don’t just listen—I act, working for real changes and better conditions for athletes.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

I started karate at four, inspired by my brother and a dream of being a warrior. It quickly became my passion and a source of discipline and resilience.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

Sport has shaped my character. It taught me to be resilient, disciplined, and persistent. It helped me overcome personal challenges and showed me that success is about growth—not just medals.

Q7 What would be your top three priorities if you were elected?

Mental health and well-being – More resources for athlete care. Work-life balance – Better support for family and career. Education for teams – Help coaches and staff support athletes beyond performance.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Resilient, passionate, committed

Q9 What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about empowering athletes beyond competition, ensuring they have support, balance, and opportunities to succeed in sport and life.

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

Athletes live the reality of sport—our voices drive fair decisions, better conditions, and real progress. Every athlete deserves to be heard and valued.