Reedie to play pivotal role in lead-up to London 2012

 FORMER British Olympic Association chairman Sir Craig Reedie believes his election onto the International Olympic Committee Executive Board can only bode well for London 2012.

KEY ROLE: Sir Craig Reedie has voice on IOC Executive Board and will be crucial in run-up to London 2012 (Getty Images)

Reedie, a member of the IOC since 1994, today became the first Brit elected onto the Executive Board since Lord Burghley held a seat in 1961.

The Scot will now have an instrumental voice at the top table of Olympic decision-making and with less than three years to go until the London 2012 Olympics, Reedie believes he can do his bit to ensure the capital's first Olympics for 64 years runs smoothly.

"I always thought there was a good chance of doing this," said Reedie, who played a pivotal role in badminton's inclusion onto the Olympic schedule, having presided over the International Badminton Federation between 1981 and 1984.

"This year, in the build up to London, was the right time to maintain the splendid relationships that exist between the [London] Organising Committee and the IOC.

 "I have a great fondness for this city because I have been coming here for forty years to play or administer badminton, so it is a real thrill to have this honour conferred here."

Meanwhile, Colin Moynihan, current BOA chairman, added his support to his predecessor and echoed his sentiments regarding the impact his appointment would have on the London Olympics.

"I am delighted for Craig Reedie," said Moynihan. "This will give London a strong voice at the heart of the Olympic Movement in the run-up to 2012."

Reedie will travel to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland for his first Executive Board meeting in December this year.

Earlier the members of the IOC re-elected IOC President Jacques Rogge by an 88-1 vote at the close of the 121st IOC Session.

After thanking the IOC members for their continued support, Rogge outlined an ambitious final-term agenda to strengthen and improve the Olympic Movement.
"We have much more to do," he told his colleagues.

"We will take this initiative from infancy to maturity and leave a lasting legacy for the world's youth," he said.

"We will continue to support National Olympic Committees and the International Federations, and we will defend the autonomy of sport wherever it is threatened."