The former sprinter, who won gold as part of Britain’s 4x100 metres relay team at the Athens 2004 Olympics, has been serving as a director on the UK Athletics Board but is set to relinquish the position when he takes up the President's role.

Gardener is set to take over from Lynn Davies, Olympic long jump champion at Tokyo 1964, who is stepping down as the President having served in the role since 2003.

“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,” said Gardener, who also became world indoor 60m champion in 2004.

“This is an exciting time for our sport as we build towards the Rio 2016 Olympic 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.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have been able to wear the British vest on so many occasions and now to be able to serve athletics in this way, I really am delighted.”

Davies, who was the only British long jumper to have claimed Olympic gold until Greg Rutherford’s triumph at London 2012, offered his congratulations to Gardener on his appointment and believes he will prove a success in the role.

“I am delighted that Jason Gardener will be taking over from me as President of UK Athletics," he said.

"With his competitive background in the sport as an Olympic Champion, coupled with his engaging personality and his experience as a Board member of UK Athletics, he possesses all the qualities required to be a successful President.

“On behalf of everyone in our sport I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him all the best in his new role.”

Additionally Lawrence Clarke, a fourth place finisher in the men’s 110m hurdles at London 2012, was also nominated to become an athlete representative on the UK Members Council.

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