Sports Politics: Campbell holds off Cram for top post

Sue Campbell has been confirmed as the permanent chairman of UK Sport, the body that funds élite athletes and carries out drug-testing in sport.

Sue Campbell has been confirmed as the permanent chairman of UK Sport, the body that funds élite athletes and carries out drug-testing in sport.

Campbell has been in an interim role as "reform" chairman for the last 18 months, carrying out a restructuring of the organisation and will now remain in position for the next four years after beating Steve Cram to the permanent post.

"Having spent 18 months leading UK Sport through a period of change, the organisation is well positioned to achieve even more success and I am delighted to accept the invitation to take on the chair's role on a formal basis," Campbell said.

"The four-year appointment will take us beyond Beijing and our focus over the period is firmly set on working with partners in the world-class system to help UK sportsmen and women be the best in the world, winning medals, setting the highest standards and fulfilling their responsibilities as role models."

UK Sport also plays a role in attracting world-class events to Britain and Campbell added: "Our top priority is to support the 2012 Olympic bid, the ultimate sporting spectacle that will leave a great legacy for the next generation of athletes."

Campbell is a former netball international and currently manages the England woman's basketball team. A former PE teacher, she has filled a variety of academic and administrative roles in sport.