Following a strong turnout for the UKA Member Elections that took place between 25 September and 13 November 2023, the successful candidates were confirmed at today’s (Tuesday 12 December) AGM.

• Denise Lewis – Olympic Heptathlon Champion has been elected and will become the President of UK Athletics, stepping into the position vacated by fellow Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener, following the completion of his terms of office.
• Hannah England – world medallist, inaugural chair of the UKA Athletes Commission, becomes Vice President of UK Athletics, following on from Stef Reid’s Vice Presidency.
• Tony Shiret – Life member and former Chair of Newham & Essex Beagles AC is successfully elected as Clubs’ Representative.
• Arwel Williams – Level 4 Field and Endurance Official who is also Chair of the Technical Advisory Group Endurance Education Sub Group is re-elected as Official’s Representative having already served one term in this role.

UKA Chair Ian Beattie said of the candidates:

“I would like to thank all of those who took part in these elections for the UKA Members positions. The voting turnout was one of the most engaged in recent years and I believe that is because all those who stood are hugely respected across the sport and any of them could have taken on these roles with success.

“Congratulations especially however to Denise, Hannah, Tony and Arwel for their successful elections. I look forward to working with them in the coming years, and UKA will benefit from the huge range of skills they will bring to the table.

“We are incredibly grateful to all those members who have completed their terms with us and leave roles for their commitment and service to the sport. However, on behalf of the board of UKA I would like to express a further note of appreciation for the work of Jason Gardener.

“As a former athlete of the highest regard, Jason stepped seamlessly into a non-executive Board position with UKA in 2008, before becoming UKA President in 2015, completing his terms of service this year, supporting both the Board and UKA Members at a critical time.

“He has served this sport with such dedication both on and off track during a unique period in history for the sport and has truly ‘given back’ on many levels for many years. We shall miss his presence and experience from those meetings but wish him the very best for the future.”