Kady Kanouté Tounkara OLY is a dynamic Malian Olympian, former professional basketball player, and international sports administrator. As a basketball athlete, she played professionally in France, Austria, and Spain, earning five French National Junior Championships. Her pivotal sporting moment came in 2008 when she co-captained the first Malian women's basketball team ever to qualify for the Olympic Games in Beijing.
Following her career on the court, Kady shifted her focus to governance and integrity. She is widely known for her leadership as the Chair of the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Education Committee, where she advocates for clean sport and ethical training globally. She also serves as the Master Educator for the IOC Career+ Program helping peers navigate career transitions and utilises her expertise as a member of several IOC commissions including Athletes' Entourage and Esports.
Beyond the world of athletics, she is deeply involved in social impact. She worked as the Director of Brand and Communications for Africa Green Tech, focusing on providing sustainable energy to underserved African communities, and is a co-founder of the Pan-African Sports Foundation and E.A.S.E. Her career exemplifies the successful transition from elite competition to impactful global leadership.
“I felt that it was my duty to contribute to the protection of the well-being of my fellow athletes on and off the field of play while preserving the spirit of sport. I believe education is key, and most deterrent for doping in sport. I also believe that collaboration among stakeholders in anti-doping education is crucial to establish the best customized educational programs for athletes and their support personnel.”
