Rozle Prezelj of Slovenia is the new Chairman of the IAAF Athletes’ Commission, replacing Namibia’s Frank Fredericks, the world athletics ruling body said on Saturday in Monaco.
A press statement by the IAAF disclosed that Prezelj was elected at the Commission’s meeting in Monaco on Saturday, and takes over the position with immediate effect.
Prezelj represented Slovenia in the high jump at three Olympics and four IAAF World Championships.
A European under-23 champion in 2001, Prezelj set a national record of 2.32m in 2012 before retiring in 2014.
Britain’s marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe was nominated Vice Chairwoman of the commission.
After an opening address from IAAF President Sebastian Coe, and General Secretary/CEO Jean Gracia also in attendance, the Commission held fruitful and constructive discussions and debates during its meeting.
“I was very pleased to meet with our Athletes’ Commission.
“I offer my deepest thanks and gratitude to Fredericks, the outgoing chairperson, for his unstinting passion and commitment on behalf of athletes everywhere since he was elected in 2011.
“Many congratulations to his successor Rozle Prezelj and to Paula Radcliffe, the vice chairperson.
“They lead the Commission at a crucial time for athletics’ future.
“The Commission’s continued support and guidance is vital as we implement reforms across the IAAF and the sport to rebuild trust, in particular supporting clean athletes and honest competition,’’ Coe said.
Fredericks also said he was delighted to be succeeded by Prezelj, and wished him the very best as Chairperson.
“It’s been a pleasure to lead the Commission working with my fellow members to help promote the needs of the world’s clean athletes, which must be the IAAF’s primary responsibility.
“As an IAAF Council member, I will of course continue to offer a prominent voice in their support.”
On his part, Prezelj expressed that he was most gratified by the show of confidence from his fellow Commission members.
He added that he was pleased they were entrusting him with the big responsibility in these challenging times to represent the athlete community.
“I will do my very best to justify their trust as Chairperson. In taking over from Fredericks, I wish to thank him for his tireless commitment as an ambassador for athletes.”
