Rhydian Cowley is a three-time Olympian in racewalking from Australia, and a Bronze Medalist at the Paris 2024 Games.
Rhydian’s commitment to giving back for the future of sport shines through in his off-field commitments. He is an EcoAthletes Champion, a World Athletics Champion for a Better World, and is also a member of the Athletes’ Committees at both Australian Athletics and at the Victorian Institute of Sport.
Contributions to a range of initiatives including the 2024 Rings of Fire report into heat risks at Olympic Games, the development of the Carbon Literacy Project’s Sport module, and joint open letters of advocacy to governments and international sporting bodies have seen Rhydian earn recognition as a passionate and authentic voice in the climate action in sport space. In 2024, Rhydian was the BBC Green Sports Awards World Athlete of the Year, and an IOC Athletes for Good grant winner.
Away from sport, Rhydian works at nature conservation NGO Bush Heritage Australia as a part of their fundraising and engagement team, and is treasurer at his local community garden. Rhydian is also an avid birdwatcher, with this hobby helping to recharge his batteries and to keep him connected to the natural world he is committed to protecting.
