10 January 2010

Former British record holder Blondel Thompson will become an arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose base is Lausanne, Switzerland.

Thompson, who has been a practising barrister for 20 years specialising in crime and sports law, was supported by UKA in her application for the prestigious position.

She said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this position and it is testament to the wonderful support I have received from UK Athletics. I look forward to working in the Court of Arbitration in 2011."

Mother of Daniel Caines, former World Indoor Champion at 400m, and sister to two professional footballers it is no surprise Thompson developed an expertise in Sports law.

In 1998 she became a Panel member for the Disciplinary Tribunals of UK Athletics and following that was appointed as Chairwoman in 2001 for The Football Association Appeals Board. That was extended in 2005 by Sports Resolutions to other areas such as Swimming, Anti-Doping, Child Protection and the Illegibility Appeal involving Sports Council Recognition of a sport.