New IAAF President Greets Staff in Monaco

(ATR) New world athletics chief Sebastian Coe met the entire IAAF staff at the federation’s headquarters in Monaco on Monday.

Coe, who took office on August 31, said he is "relieved" to have won the office.

"The last year has been a great test of character for all candidates for IAAF positions, whether president, council, committees and commissions.

"Today is one of the proudest days of my life."

The former London 2012 chief recognized two members of his senior management team, Nick Davies as director of the president’s office and Huw Roberts as senior counsel. Coe said in a release that Roberts is "leading a review of our constitution and corporate governances as part of our modernization process."

"The first steps are the review of the structures and resources in Monaco. We must ensure we are an organization fit for purpose."

Coe spoke about his role in moving the sport forward.

"I see a very bright future for athletics. To deliver this future, we must ensure we are open and transparent, that we are relevant and exciting to young people.

"My job is to remove all inhibitors in this organization so that [IAAF staff] can do the best work of your life. So that together we can deliver a world-class organization which has respect across the sporting landscape. The IAAF must be a template for best practice and - most importantly - athlete-centered."

Coe was elected to lead the federation last month at the IAAF Congress in Beijing. He succeeded Lamine Diack, who had led IAAF since 1999.

Written by Nick Devlin

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