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Athletics

Beleaguered UK Athletics chief quits

24/08/2006

David Moorcroft, the underfire chief executive of UK Athletics (UKA), has today resigned from his post after nine years in the job.

The 53-year-old has overseen the governing body since 1997 but has come under mounting pressure in recent times following a series of disappointing team performances in major athletics events.

The recent European Championships in Gothenburg was symbolic of Britain's decline as the team returned with just a single gold medal, the worst tally in the event for 20 years.

Moorcroft explained: "It is a decision I haven't taken lightly, but one that I feel is right for athletics and right for me. I am convinced that I am taking the right decision at the right time."

Moorcroft will stay on in the short-term to help the appointment of a replacement and has expressed his confidence that whoever takes on the role will have the time and the talent at their disposal to prepare suitably for when the Olympic Games come to Britain in six years' time.

"I firmly believe I will be leaving the sport with far stronger foundations than I found it, and this will allow my successor to focus all his or her energy on building up for London 2012," he added.

Moorcroft also responded to some of the criticism which has been lodged his way about Britain's under-performing athletes.

He admitted: "In recent years, our senior team arguably became over-reliant on outstanding individuals, leading to some truly memorable moments, but also too many disappointments in overall team performance.

"Although as chief executive I accept my ultimate accountability for performances, I also had wider responsibilities including having to address what were fundamental weaknesses of the sport, namely financial, facilities and governance. These issues may have a lower profile, but the improvements we have made are vital to the future sustainability of athletics in the UK."

Responding to his resignation, Lynn Davies, the UKA president, has praised Moorcroft's commitment and passion, describing him as "a wonderful example to all our aspiring athletes".

"Dave has given so much to athletics in this country. He has secured the financial solvency of the sport and played a key role in its restructuring," she said.

"2012 represents a new chapter in our sport and although I am saddened by Dave's resignation, I admire his professionalism in wanting to give the incoming CEO enough time to oversee the next phase.

"The whole of the athletics community now needs to come together and collectively step up and meet the biggest challenge in our sport's history. I sincerely hope that Dave can continue to fulfil a role in the sport."

An announcement as to Moorcroft's successor will be made in due course. The likes of Steve Cram and Daley Thompson have been touted as possible candidates for the job.

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