A total of twenty two (22) prominent athletics officials have submitted their candidature for election to the European Athletics Council, for the thirteen (13) available seats, on top of the Presidential one, two Vice Presidents and the Treasurer, whose terms of office will expire in April.  

The seats will be available for four-year terms for the period 2007-2011. The closing date for applications was midnight  February 13th 2007 and the elections will take place at the 20^th European Athletics Congress, in Cannes (FRA) on April 14^th 2007. 

The post of President will be contested by the incumbent Hansjörg Wirz (SUI) and former Council member Valeriy Borzov (UKR).

Six candidates will contest the two posts of Vice President and Karel Pilny, (CZE) is unopposed for the post of Treasurer, having first been elected to the Council in 1995 and as Treasurer in 1999. 

If elected, both Hansjörg Wirz (SUI) and Jorge Salcedo (POR) will become the longest serving members of the Council having first been elected in 1991.  

Interestingly, five of the candidates for the Council are former European Athletics Champions while three, (Borzov, Edwards and Nool) have also won Olympic titles. Valeriy Borzov (UKR) won the 100m in 1969, 1974 and the 100m and 200m in 1971. Franco Arese (ITA) won the 1500m in 1971, Dragutin Topic (SRB) won the High Jump in 1990 and Jonathon Edwards (GBR) and Erki Nool (EST) won the Triple Jump and Decathlon respectively in 1998.  

1992 Olympic 800m Champion Ellen Van Langen will be a candidate for the Competition Committee.


Christian Milz, (pictured right), Director General of European Athletics said: 

"It is a very positive sign for the future health of the sport that so many top class administrators are willing to allow their names go forward to steer the sport over the next four years. 

In an age and culture of 24-hour entertainment, instant fame, video games and increasing obesity amongst young people, European Athletics must adapt and make changes to the sport and I am delighted that so many former star athletes as well as our very experienced officials are willing to make such a valuable contribution to our sport and movement"

For further information contact:

Pierce O'Callaghan
Communication Manager
European Athletics

Ph: +41 21 313 4357
E-mail:  pierce.ocallaghan@european-athletics.org


 European Athletics Council Candidates

European Athletics Council History

Council Meetings 1948-2007