NNOC-CGA strengthens athlete welfare with new medical commission
The Namibia National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association (NNOC-CGA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing athlete care with the establishment of its Medical Commission and the appointment of four inaugural members.
The appointments, endorsed by the NNOC-CGA Executive Board on 16 March 2026, will run through to 31 December 2028, aligning with the current Olympic cycle.
The newly formed Commission will serve as an advisory body, guiding the Executive Board on matters relating to athlete health, welfare and medical governance. It will also play a key role in aligning Namibia’s sporting systems with International Olympic Committee (IOC) medical standards and global best practice.
Leading the Commission is NNOC-CGA Vice President and Olympian Gaby Ahrens, who will act as liaison to the Executive Board. Ahrens brings extensive experience, including her role on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board, as well as insight from competing at three Olympic Games.
She is joined by a team of specialists across key disciplines. Educational psychologist Dr Jurgen Hoffmann will focus on mental performance, resilience and athlete welfare, helping to strengthen psychological support structures.
Senior physiotherapist Dr Ruan Mocke brings expertise in rehabilitation, injury prevention and performance optimisation, with experience across both elite and para sport.
Medical doctor Dr David Weber adds valuable experience in multi-sport environments, particularly in high-risk disciplines such as boxing, where athlete safety is critical.
Rounding out the team is Ms Victoria Katukula, Namibia’s national anti-doping specialist, who will ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and reinforce clean sport principles.
NNOC-CGA president Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa described the move as a milestone for Namibian sport.
“The establishment of the Medical Commission marks a significant step in strengthening our athlete support systems. The expertise within this team reflects a strategic approach to athlete welfare, medical governance and high-performance support,” he said.
The NNOC-CGA emphasised that the Commission will operate strictly in an advisory capacity and is separate from Games-time medical teams, which will continue to be appointed through event-specific processes.
The formation of the Commission is expected to enhance governance, improve athlete protection and ensure Namibian athletes are supported within safe, ethical and high-performance environments ahead of international competition.
