Sir Hugh Robertson elected chairman of British Olympic Association
Thursday 24 November 2016 15:18, UK
Sir Hugh Robertson has been elected to succeed Lord Sebastian Coe as chairman of the British Olympic Association.
The former sports minister, who oversaw the delivery of the London 2012 and Paralympic Games, was appointed as vice-chairman of the BOA one year ago.
Robertson beat his only opponent for the role, Great Britain Hockey president Richard Leman, by a clear majority at an election in London on Thursday.
The 54-year-old will serve a four-year term in the post starting this week, replacing Coe, the president of world athletics' governing body the IAAF, who served for a similar term.
Robertson said: "Following on from my involvement with London 2012, it is a great privilege for me to become chairman of the British Olympic Association.
"After the success of Rio 2016, this is an extraordinarily exciting moment for British Olympic sport. I want to build on this success and drive the organisation forward both on and off the field of play.
"I would like to pay tribute to my friend and predecessor Lord Coe for the positive impact he has had on British sport, and in particular Olympic sport and it is with great pride that I follow in his footsteps.
"The success of Team GB does not come by chance and the meticulous preparations and dedication to the athletes will remain at the forefront of our work.
"I am thrilled to be part of this and to work collaboratively with our myriad stakeholders to provide the best possible platform for success for the athletes during the Summer and Winter Olympic programmes."
Robertson's role will involve leading the BOA board in developing the resources and support mechanisms necessary to assist the preparation of British athletes for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and the Tokyo 2020 summer Games.
BOA chief executive Bill Sweeney said: "Sir Hugh's track record in sport is exemplary and his international experience will help drive the continued growth of the organisation for PyeongChang and Tokyo, that has already been started by Lord Coe.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank Lord Coe for his stewardship as chairman and for the vital and impactful role he played during his four years at the BOA."
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