Craig Reedie, a driving force behind London's successful hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, is all but assured of being the next president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after being nominated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board today.
The 72-year-old Scot, who was also a leading light in London's successful candidacy to host the 2012 Games, saw off the challenges of former IOC Medical Director Patrick Schamasch and American hurdling great Ed Moses.
Reedie, who was elected an IOC vice-president prior to the London Games, will replace Australian John Fahey, who steps down after six years in charge in Johannesburg in November.
Reedie will be the third WADA president after fellow IOC member Dick Pound and Fahey, and is in line with the original agreement that the WADA president alternates between being nominated by the IOC and then the next one by governments.
"Congratulations? I hope that's the right word. I think it's rather daunting after the doping stories of the past eight weeks," said Reedie, referring to high profile sprinters Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, who failed dope tests.
"This is obviously the first step and then it has to be confirmed at the WADA meeting in November. Going on their past habits I believe they will say yes.
"This is a new part of my life. I will of course speak closely with the new president of the IOC (incumbent Jacques Rogge steps down on September 10), I do look forward to continuing as IOC vice-president until my term ends and to get both organisations working together as closely as possible."
Reedie, an accomplished badminton player in his youth who lobbied successfully for it to become an Olympic sport, will face several challenges when he is officially elected and takes up the post on January 1 2014.
