England Athletics has today announced Professor Myra Nimmo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, as its next Chair.
Professor Nimmo was recommended to the England Athletics’ Board following a process led by its Nominations Committee, and the Board has unanimously approved her appointment as Peter King’s successor with effect from October's Annual General Meeting.
Professor Nimmo is currently Professor of Exercise Physiology and Pro- Vice-Chancellor Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Her career, although always in Higher Education, has continuously involved sport, including serving on numerous bodies including the UK Sports Council. She also led, with colleagues across the country, the development of the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, based in the Midlands, London and Sheffield.
Professor Nimmo is a former international athlete in both 100m hurdles and long jump having competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and 1974 Commonwealth Games. She is the former Scottish National long jump record holder with a mark of 6.43 set in 1973.
Professor Nimmo commented, “This is a hugely exciting time for England Athletics. The breadth of engagement from ensuring that young children embed exercise in their lifestyles to preparing our elite athletes for international competition is a huge challenge for the organisation. I eagerly look forward to working with the Board, executive team and the organisation’s stakeholders to deliver our collective ambitions.”
Acting Chair of the Nominations Committee, Tim Soutar, commented, “Our sport needs a strong and perceptive Chair to lead us in meeting the challenges, and grasping the opportunities, that lie ahead. We all believe that Myra's experience and expertise make her exactly the person to perform that role.”