The 26-year-old won the 125 kilograms freestyle gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics in August.

Akgül is also a double world champion with his appointment by the governing body meaning he will now serve as a TOC Executive Board member.

He will begin a four-year term which will expire in 2021.

The Athletes' Commission allows Turkish athletes a platform for dialogue with the TOC, which is headed by President Uğur Erdener.

They are able to make suggestions while acting as role models for Turkish youth.

Seventy athletes sit on the Commission with an equal split of males and females.

"I am extremely honoured to be selected as the chair of the Athletes' Commission and as a member of the Executive Board," said Akgül.

"The TOC is an organisation where athletes are the primary focus of the work, and I have been aware of their support to athletes and efforts to spread Olympic spirit and culture in Turkey for many years.

"In my new position, I will be able to take an active role in addressing all the needs and expectations of both young and established athletes, and help them fulfil their amazing potential. 

"This opportunity will allow me to directly contribute to their development and help them represent our country to the best of their ability in international competitions."

Akgül's glittering career also includes four European titles and gold medals at the European Games and Universiade.

"As an outstanding athlete with an Olympic and two World Championship gold medals, I believe that Taha Akgül will be a great success in the important task of representing and motivating young athletes," said Erdener, also the President of World Archery and a vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Taha will also put a significant effort into encouraging National Federations in Turkey to establish an Athletes' Commission of their own and bring athletes into the decision-making process. 

"Athletes are at the centre of the Olympic Movement and their voices need to be heard. 

"It is great to see the IOC push for great female representation at the Tokyo 2020 Games as it is vitally important that in sport, like on the TOC's Athletes' Commission, women are given an equal voice and equal opportunity. 

"I look forward to working closely with Taha and I wish to congratulate him on his new role."