6 May 2015

Alison Jordan has been appointed to the European Athletics VDM and photo-finish judges panel between 2016-2019. The Briton is one of 14 officials from across the continent to be selected for the role.

Jordan is a level three track judge and level three photo-finish judge as well as a member of the International Meeting Officials (IMO) group in 2015 for both disciplines.

Originally from Somerset, Jordan was inspired to get involved in officiating because her late father was a starter and marksmen. After injury curtailed her running career at a young age, she still wanted to be involved in the sport.

The Bicester-based official passed her basic track judging exam whilst a postgraduate student at the University of Birmingham, and progressed through the ranks before making her first appearance as a photo-finish judge in 2001 at a Midland Counties League match.

Jordan is a highly experienced photo-finish judge and performed the role at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The Midland and South West region official was also the Chief PF at the European Team Championships in Gateshead in 2013 and IPC European Championships in Swansea last year. 

The assessment for the European Athletics role took place in Prague in March on the weekend of the European Indoor Championships. A series of practical and written exams followed to determine which of the 28 officials on the course would join the panel.

Jordan was thrilled when she received the letter confirming her appointment saying:

“I was shocked when I initially found out the news. I had come out of each assessment in Prague thinking that I could have done things better so the appointment was a very pleasant surprise.

“Ever since I first qualified, I have been helped and encouraged by experienced officials in both disciplines. Over the years, I have picked their brains, cribbed their duty sheets and asked many questions. I really cannot thank my ‘athletics family’ enough for all their advice and support.”