The head of the BOA’s Athletes’ Commission has today paid tribute to the organisation’s former Chairman, Lord Sebastien Coe, who today stepped down from the role after a four year term.
With Sir Hugh Robertson announced as the incoming Chairman, former hockey star Ben Hawes took the time to reflect on a successful period for the BOA under the stewardship of Coe, which culminated in a record-breaking 67 medals in Rio earlier this summer.
Hawes, who presented Coe with a parting gift from the BOA, said: “I was honoured to stand on behalf the National Olympic Committee, the Board, the whole of the BOA, its Athletes Commission and British Olympic Athletes to thank Seb wholeheartedly for all he has done in his role as chair.
“His leadership, including the appointment of a high performing senior leadership team and clear vision for the organisation has driven us forward significantly not just on the field but as a business and team off the field.
“The culmination of this success was clear to see in the performance of the athletes and team in Rio and was also reflected with the award of the NOC of the year at last week’s ANOC meeting. Something we should all be proud of.
“The support of the athletes and willingness to put them at the heart of the organisation has been refreshing and I personally wanted to thank him for this.
“I am confident that the platform that has been set and the momentum built will stand us in good stead to continue to be a high achieving organisation in the future.”
Coe was himself a double Olympic gold medal winner, performing at both the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.