Bled (Slovenia), April 13, 2015 – Svein Arne Hansen of Norway was elected as President of European Athletics by the European Athletics congress held on the shores of Lake Bled, on Saturday.
Hansen takes over from Hansjörg Wirtz (SUI) who presided over the European body for 16 years since 1999. Wirtz, who did not seek another term, is now honorary president.
Hansen received 26 votes in the first round of voting, beating Frenchman Jean Gracia (19 votes) and Antti Pihlakoski of Finland (5 votes).
Hansen, the former meeting director of the Bislett Games, the annual track and field event in Oslo, which is now an IAAF Diamond League meeting, also served as vice president.
Dobrimir Karamarinov, Frank Hensel and Jean Gracia were elected as the three vice presidents.