British Swimming boss Jack Buckner has been confirmed as the new CEO of UK Athletics.
Buckner, a former world, European and Commonwealth medalist on the track, oversaw Team GB’s most successful Olympics in the pool, with Britain’s swimmers returning from Tokyo with eight medals including four golds.
That was in stark contrast to the athletics team, who left a Games without a single gold for the first time since 1996 and had their tally of six medals reduced to five after the men’s 4x100m relay team were stripped of silver following CJ Ujah’s doping violation.
Buckner will be tasked with leading the sport’s recovery after a tumultuous period in which - as well as a dip in performances on the track - athletics has been hit by a series of scandals, financial difficulties and a damning independent review.
The 60-year-old replaces Mark Munro, who had been put in place as interim CEO after Joanna Coates’ surprise resignation last November. Munro will stay with the organisation as its new COO.
UK Athletics chair Ian Beattie said Buckner had been the “standout candidate” and was “looking forward to working with Jack, starting with this very busy and exciting summer” which includes World and European Championships, as well as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“I’m incredibly excited to continue my sporting journey at UK Athletics where I know there are so many great people doing amazing things in Olympic and Paralympic sport,” Buckner said. “Many thanks to Ian Beattie and the Board at UKA for giving me this opportunity.
“Athletics has been a huge part of my life since I was a teenager and I can’t wait to be trackside later in the year. Taking on the CEO role will be an exciting challenge and one I feel privileged to have been offered. I am looking forward to getting started.”
