Black in charge on road to Rio

Neil Black has been appointed performance director of British Athletics, the former physiotherapist replacing Charles van Commenee.

Van Commenee announced that he would leave his role in December after failing to meet his target of eight track and field medals at the London Olympics, even though the team bagged four golds and six medals overall. A pivotal figure in the success of British athletics for 20 years, Black will oversee the next Olympic cycle to the 2016 Games in Rio and the 2017 World Championships in London.

"It is an honour to be asked to lead colleagues with whom I have worked hand in glove for the last four years," Black said.