Hugh Robertson Elected Head of British Olympic Association

(ATR) The former minister for sport and the Olympics was elected today to replace Sebastian Coe as head of the BOA.

Robertson, a close ally of Coe’s and previously vice chairman of the BOA board, saw off competition fromRichard Leman to take the top job in British Olympic sport.

The 43-members of the National Olympic Committee voted to elect Robertson, who begins his four-year term as BOA chairman Thursday.

Coe had previously announced he was stepping down after four years as BOA chief to focus on his role as president of the IAAF.

Robertson said it was a "great privilege" to be elected to the role, which comes just three months after Team GB's best ever away Games in Rio. British athletes bagged 67 medals in total - two more than at London 2012 - including 27 golds to come second in the medal table.

"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," Robertson said in a statement.

"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."

He added: "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 programs."

Robertson and Leman, a member of the BOA board and Great Britain Hockey president, were the only two on the election ballot. The pair had the opportunity to address the full membership of the British Olympic Association at a meeting in London before the vote.

One of Robertson's biggest upcoming challenges will be the BOA's preparations for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.

"As chairman of the BOA, Robertson will lead the BOA Board in mapping out the future direction of the organisation and making certain that Team GB athletes have the resources, preparation and support they need to continue to excel in the forthcoming PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games," said a BOA release.

Under the leadership of Robertson, the BOA will work collaboratively with partners across government, sport and the private sector "to ensure the inspiration of the success of the Rio 2016 Olympics translates into a tangible legacy that benefits every level of sport in the UK".

Coe is credited with leaving the BOA on "an extremely sound financial footing" following his four-year tenure as BOA chairman. The BOA applauded him for strengthening relations with key stakeholders including National Governing Bodies and UK Sport, and continuing the primary focus on athletes' Olympic preparation, building on the success at London 2012.

British Olympic Association CEO Bill Sweeney said Robertson's arrival comes at an "exciting time" for the organisation.

"As a recognised power in the global Olympic landscape after the history making feats in Rio, Team GB is perfectly positioned to grow both commercially and competitively," he saidd.

"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."

Reported by Mark Bisson

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