OLYMPIC GAMES/London 2012: Former government sports minister Colin Moynihan was named yesterday as the man to lead British sport in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics.
Conservative Sports Minister from 1987 to '90 under Margaret Thatcher, Moynihan beat fellow former Olympic medallist David Hemery in a vote to replace Craig Reedie as chairman of the British Olympic Association.
Reedie is stepping down after 13 years in the post, but will remain a British representative on the International Olympic Committee.
Moynihan's post is for an initial term of three years but the Tory peer said he would hope to remain at least until the London Games in 2012. He was elected by 28 votes to 15.
"It is something I would love to do, but not expect to do," Moynihan said of remaining in the role until the Olympics. My focus is on the next 1,000 days.
"It's a very great honour to represent the governing bodies of sport as chairman of the BOA. With a strong team in place we intend to generate a financial and sporting legacy for UK Olympic governing bodies which befits a host Olympic nation."
However, Moynihan's victory could cause some disquiet in Whitehall after his criticisms of the Labour government's sports policy.
A dynamic and politically-savvy personality, Moynihan has promised to step down from "active politics" and pointed to his participation in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow as evidence of his ability to remain independent.
The then prime minister Margaret Thatcher failed to persuade the BOA to boycott the Moscow Games and Moynihan, who became her sports minister seven years later, took part and won a silver medal as the cox to the men's rowing eight.
"The BOA has always proudly defended its independence and I was very much a beneficiary of that in 1980," Moynihan told reporters.
"I believe that independence continues to be regarded as a high priority by BOA members."
While Moynihan has promised to step down from active politics, he said his experience of "walking the corridors of Whitehall for 25 years" would only benefit the BOA.
Moynihan's appointment was greeted by London 2012 organising committee chairman Sebastian Coe and London mayor Ken Livingstone.
"Both Colin and David Hemery were excellent candidates and we know that the BOA and (London organisers) LOCOG will be able to work in true partnership in the exciting seven years ahead," Coe, a fellow Tory peer, said.
Livingstone said: "There could not be a more exciting time than now to take the helm of the BOA. I look forward to building on the excellent partnership that we have developed during London's bid.
"Chief executive of the BOA Simon Clegg said he was excited at the prospect of working with Moynihan.
"I have known Colin for nearly 20 years now and am convinced that his enthusiasm, leadership and passion for sport will enable the BOA to make the necessary step-change to meet the challenges we face in the build up to the London Olympic Games in 2012," he said.
