London 2012 Chief Lord Coe Becomes BOA Chairman

Lord Sebastian Coe, the mastermind behind the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has been voted in as the new chairman of the British Olympic Association.

Coe, as chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, helped deliver the two biggest sporting events in British history to wide acclaim this summer.

The double Olympic gold medallist ran unopposed for the position, and after a Games in which Team GB won 65 Olympic medals, the most for over 100 years, Coe's mission is to ensure success at London 2012 is improved upon.

"Following the tremendous impact of the London 2012 Games, the BOA has an important role to play in ensuring the growth of the Olympic Movement throughout the UK and the continued success and support of Team GB at future Olympic Games," Coe said.

"I believe the BOA is uniquely positioned to work collaboratively with partners across government and sport to ensure there is a meaningful legacy resulting from the London 2012 Games - a legacy that positively impacts every level of sport and continues to inspire young people around the UK to choose sport.

"I am committed to making sure the benefits of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games are maximised and this role gives me an excellent platform to continue to serve and promote British Olympic sport, both in the UK, and globally."

The 56 year old replaces Lord Moynihan, who after seven years in the role, resigned after the Olympic closing ceremony in August.

Moynihan said: "I am delighted that Seb will be my successor as Chair of the BOA.

"He is absolutely the right person, at this important time, to drive the organisation forward and strive to ensure the sports legacy of the London 2012 Games is fully delivered by the various stakeholders.

"Seb has been a good friend and colleague since we first competed together in the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games and his leadership offers the organisation the chance to continue to go from strength to strength.

"I am very proud of what we have achieved at the BOA over the past seven years and I would like to thank the members of the Board and my colleagues at the National Governing Bodies and sport stakeholders for their support and cooperation during this unique and special era for British Olympic sport."