Athletics: Moorcroft takes on the top job

DAVID MOORCROFT was yesterday appointed the chief executive of UK Athletics, the new governing body for the sport.

Moorcroft held the same post for the British Athletics Federation for a week before it went into administration. The former 5,000 metres world record holder has been the acting chief executive for UK Athletics 98, the interim body set up following the BAF's demise.

Moorcroft, who competed for Britain at three Olympics, expressed his delight at being given the job and pledged to guide the sport out of the mire. "The last 15 months have seen great turbulence within the sport," he said. "But, in the course of our year-long consultation process and an outstanding year of athletic performances, we have hopefully reached a point where we have solid foundations on which to build a fantastic future for the sport.

"There are still many challenges ahead but I think we have the will, the people and the vision to face them with confidence."