4th December 2015

UK Members Council Election Appointments

04 December 2015 

At Friday’s Annual General Meeting, the UK Members Council (UKMC) announced its appointments after the 2015 elections.

Following in the footsteps of 1964 Olympic long jump champion Lynn Davies as the new President is Jason Gardener, who himself won gold in the 4x100m in Athens 11 years ago. Gardener, who has been a part of the UK Athletics board since 2008 will assume his new position immediately.

Gardener, who was announced as Davies’ successor in September said: “I am extremely honoured to be offered this role, but more importantly to follow in the footsteps of Lynn, who has served the sport in exemplary fashion over the years.

“This is an exciting time for our sport as we build towards the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and our own London World Athletics Championships in 2017 and it is essential that the UK Members Council continues to represent the sport’s interests and ensure the accountability of UK Athletics,” added the Olympic champion, who will relinquish his role as a Director on the UKA board.

Joining Gardener on the UKMC as its Vice-President is two-time world and Commonwealth bronze medallist Donna Fraser. 

“I am thrilled and absolutely honoured to be offered this role. It’s something that I never thought would come my way but I think I can do a great job for the sport and it is really good to be involved in this way.

“I think I can bring something to the UK Members Council. I am still in touch with so many within the sport and people are really open and honest with me about their thoughts and I hope I can represent them well.”

Nigel Rowe, who secured a majority vote in the election, will continue in the role as the Representative of Road Runners.

Rowe, who has been involved in road running for the last 20 years as an organiser, participant and official added: “It’s a great privilege to have been elected by the UKMC as the Representative of Road Runners. I will look to bring all my experience and knowledge of road running to the role with the aim of developing the sport right from the grassroots to the elite level.”

With 53% of the votes, Tony Shiret, who was the Chair of the London Regional Council from 2008 has been elected as the Representative of Clubs.

Meanwhile, Wendy Haxell has also been elected for her second four-year term of office as the Representative of Senior Officials. Also a level four official, she was delighted to receive the backing of officials from so many areas of the country.

“It’s a great honour to have the opportunity to continue in my role in the UKMC. Athletics has played a huge role in my life and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of working with and developing officials in the UK.”