David Hemery after being elected President of UK Athletics 98 (© Getty Images)
The governing body of British athletics, UK Athletics 98, today announced that 1968 Olympic 400m hurdles champion and former world record holder David Hemery MBE has been elected as the first President of this recently formed body.
Hemery topped the poll of British athletics clubs with 426 votes ahead of millionaire philanthropist Sir Eddie Kulukundis OBE and fellow Olympic champion Steve Ovett MBE.
Hemery was Chairman of the International Athletes Club (1973/74) and has worked as a coach, teacher, manager and writer since he stopped competing.
Informed of the outcome of the vote, he said: "It is a great honour to be elected by the clubs to this position. The President will be an ambassador and also a conscience for the sport, working to select the best people to run athletics in the UK. I look forward to taking up the challenge."