Malaysia’s Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh joins the International Olympic Committee after vote in Mumbai
- Oscar winner is one of eight new proposed members to join the Olympic governing body at ceremony on Tuesday
- ‘As a child I never dreamed of being an actress, but of being an Olympian,’ Yeoh says
Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian actress to win an Oscar, joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday after being voted in as a member at a ceremony in Mumbai.
She was one of eight new proposed members to join the Olympic body at its session in the Indian financial capital.
“I remember when someone asked me, how did you become an actress? I always said, ‘I never dreamed of being an actress, but as a child I always dreamed of being an Olympian’,” a beaming Yeoh told reporters after taking the oath as an IOC member.
“Sports was very much part of my life growing up, I was very much involved with squash, athletics, swimming and diving.
“It has always been there and growing, but how do I find a way to join this [IOC] family? They are very tight-knit and also they have to be very sure that you share their passion, you share their commitment and ideology.
“So it took me a little while to ensure this is what I do believe in and I need to be part of this family.”
