Yolandà Schmidt

Yolandà Schmidt

Australia

Muaythai

Introduction

With a decorated career, I have had the privilege of representing my sport and country at the highest levels. As a 3x Muaythai world champion, Muaythai Angels, Asia Pacific, and Arafura Games world champion, I have competed internationally in Dubai, China, Sweden, Thailand, Australia, and beyond. These experiences have shaped my competitive mindset and deepened my commitment to integrity, inclusion, and athlete welfare. Beyond the ring, I serve as Athlete Committee Representative for Australia, Gender Equality Committee Lead for Oceania, and a member of the NSW Female Muaythai Development Committee, advocating for athlete rights, inclusivity, and grassroots development. As a TWG 2022 competitor, I understand the challenges athletes face—preparation, injury, transition, and well-being. If elected, I will prioritise: ensuring athlete voices shape policy; inclusion and gender equality: expanding opportunities for all; and supporting health, safety, and career development. It would be an honour to represent and support my fellow athletes in shaping the future of sport within The World Games framework.

Education

  • Masters in Science: Sport & Exercise - 2023 - University of Southern Queensland. 
  • Bachelor in Dance education (Dance and Personal Development, Health & Physical Education) - 2014 - Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)

Professional activities

University Lecturer - Australian College of Physical Education - 3

Sports admin functions

  • Athlete Commission - Muaythai Australia - 8 
  • Years Althete Commission vice Chair- International Federation of Muaythai- 4 years 
  • Gender equality athlete commission - Oceania Muaythai Federation - just appointed in 2025 
  • Committee member - NSW Female Muaythai development committee - 2 years

Memberships

International Federation of Muaythai Association

Awards

  • Bronze Medalist – IFMA World Cup (2015)WKN Australian Champion (2015)
  • WMC NSW State Champion (2016)
  • WKA Australian Champion (2016) 
  • Bronze Medalist – IFMA World Championships (Sweden) (2016)
  • Thapae Stadium Champion (Chiang Mai, Thailand) (2017)
  • Most Outstanding Female Athlete – Asian Muaythai World Championship (2018)
  • Muaythai Angels World Champion (2017)
  • Asia Pacific World Champion (2018)
  • Arafura Games World Champion (2019)
  • Bronze Medalist - The World Games (2022) 

Other activities

  • Mentor – Teacher Education Students (2019-Present) – Supporting and guiding future teachers in Australia to shape the next generation of educators. 
  • Campaign Supporter – Orange Day (UN Initiative) (Ongoing since 2017) – Advocating for the UN’s initiative to stand up against abuse of women and children through awareness and activism.
  • Charity Fundraiser – Black Dog Institute (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) – Raising funds and awareness for mental health research and support services

The World Games

3rd Place in Muaythai at The World Games 2022

World Championships

1st Place at the 2018 Asian Muaythai Championships and Gold at the 2019 Arafura Games

World Cup

3rd Place at the World Cup in 2015 and 2016

Olympic Games

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As a The World Games 2022 competitor and multi-time world champion, I know the dedication and challenges athletes face. I am passionate about ensuring your voices are heard and your well-being prioritized. I’ve served as Vice Chair of the IFMA Athlete Commission, Australian Athlete Representative, and Gender Equality Commissioner. If elected, I’ll advocate for stronger athlete representation, inclusivity, and better support systems for career transition, injuries, and mental well-being. I’d be honoured to represent you.

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

I am passionate about athlete rights, fair play, and inclusivity. I want to ensure all athletes have a voice, support systems, and opportunities to thrive during and beyond their competitive careers.

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

As Vice Chair of the IFMA Athlete Commission, Australian Athlete Representative, and Gender Equality Lead for Oceania, I bring leadership, advocacy, and a deep understanding of athlete needs at all levels.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

I am approachable, experienced, and committed to ensuring athletes' voices shape policies. I will fight for fair play, athlete welfare, and support programs for career transition and mental well-being.

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

Rupturing my hamstring tendon while winning gold at the Arafura Games. Surgeons said my career was over, but after 20 months of rehab, I returned to the ring, proving resilience and determination.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

After 18 years as a competitive dancer, I wanted a new challenge. I tried Muaythai for fun, fell in love with it, and was competing within a year.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

Sport has given me global friendships, strength, and a platform to inspire others. It shaped every part of me. One world, one Muaythai—that’s who I am today.

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

Promote clean and fair sport. Be approachable so athletes feel heard and supported. Develop athlete transition programs for life beyond competition.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Energetic, tenacious, dedicated

Q9 What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about female Muaythai development, athlete support, mental health, fair play, athlete equality, and helping athletes move into life after sport with confidence.

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

Without athletes, there is no sport. Their voices must shape policies, ensure fairness, and drive positive change. Athletes deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered at every stage of their career.