The 32-year-old from Bath, a member of the British 4x100 metres relay team that won the Olympic title so memorably in Athens four years ago, joins with immediate effect.

 

Gardener, who retired from the sport last year after winning a record fourth successive European indoor 60m title, said: "I am honoured to have been selected to sit on the UK Athletics board and in accepting the position and the responsibility that goes with it I feel I can contribute to the future of the sport.

 

"I can draw on my experiences in a GB vest to bring an Olympic athlete’s perspective to the table.

 

"I am looking forward to working with my fellow UKA board members."

 

Gardener, known as the "Bath Bullet" during his running days, also won the world indoor title in 2004 and is the only British sprinter to have broken 10 seconds for 100m not to have failed a drugs test.

 

Awarded an MBE in 2005, Gardener has always been a hardliner when it comes to drugs and his appointment to such a senior appointment means there will be no softening of the stance UK Athletics have adopted towards Dwain Chambers.

 

Ed Warner, the chairman of UK Athletics, said: “I am delighted that Jason has agreed to join our board.

 

"We saw some excellent candidates for the role, but Jason’s skills combined with his experiences as one of our most outstanding recent athletes set him apart.

 

"We are all looking forward to working with him and I’m sure he will make a positive impact on the sport.”

 

The board already includes Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, winner of a record nine Paralympic gold medals.