Svein Arne Hansen, narrowly beaten in the last European Athletics Presidential election, achieved his aim at the Congress in Bled today as he was voted in as replacement for the outgoing Hansjörg Wirz, who has been in office since 1999.

European Athletics will have a new President for the first time since 1999 tomorrow as its annual Congress, taking place this year in Bled, Slovenia, votes on which of three men will replace Hansjörg Wirz.

A business commission to maximise commercial revenue, and increased grants and assistance for National Federations were two of the key ideas floated by Sergey Bubka today as he launched his manifesto ahead of this summer’s for the Presidency of the International Assocation of Athletics Federations.

Svein Arne Hansen, who appears a strong prospect to be voted in as the new European Athletics President this weekend in succession to 71-year-old Hansjorg Wirz, has said talks to clarify the position of his sport with the European Games would be a priority for him if he is successful in his bid.