CISM names Gilles Dufaux (SUI) and İlke Özyüksel (TUR) 2025 Athletes of the Year

LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA (ESP) - The International Military Sports Council proudly announces that the Board of Directors, during its meeting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has elected the CISM Athletes of the Year 2025, honouring two remarkable service members whose sporting excellence and exemplary conduct throughout the season embodied the spirit of military sport and the values of Friendship through Sport.

Cadet İlke Özyüksel of Türkiye has been elected CISM Female Athlete of the Year 2025 in modern pentathlon after a dominant season crowned by victory at the 49th World Military Modern Pentathlon Championship in Drzonków, Poland. Winning the individual gold medal in a discipline that combines fencing, swimming, obstacle laser run and riding requires versatility, resilience and mental strength, qualities she demonstrated throughout the competition.

Her broader career further reinforces the significance of this recognition. She previously earned a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a fifth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, competing among the best athletes in the world. She also claimed the European Under-24 title and most recently won the Olympic Ranking Pentathlon Challenger in Egypt, confirming her consistency at elite level. Through her discipline, professionalism and respect for the rules, she promotes mutual respect among athletes and contributes to the international visibility of CISM.

Private First Class Gilles Dufaux of Switzerland receives the distinction as CISM Male Athlete of the Year 2025 in shooting following an outstanding campaign marked by technical mastery, composure and consistency at the highest level. His defining moment came at the 55th World Military Shooting Championship in Elverum, Norway, where he established a new CISM record in the 300m Military Rapid Fire Rifle with 586 points. He added second place in the same event, third place in the 300m Standard Rifle 3 Positions and a team silver medal, while also being awarded Best Men Rifle Shooter of the championship.

His performances during the year extended well beyond the military circuit. Competing against the world’s elite, he earned a silver medal in the 300 m Standard Rifle Open in Châteauroux and contributed to a team silver medal at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo. These results confirmed his capacity to perform under pressure and highlighted his growing presence on the international stage. Within his team he is recognised not only for his technical discipline but also for his positive attitude and respect for fellow competitors. His behaviour and sportsmanship reflect the principles promoted by CISM and make him a natural ambassador for military sport.

By honouring these two athletes, CISM celebrates more than medals and records. Their dedication, humility and commitment illustrate the connection between sporting performance and military values. Both athletes demonstrate how competition can build understanding and camaraderie across nations, inspiring service members and athletes worldwide and reinforcing the mission of CISM to unite armed forces through sport.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)