May 31 - Sir Craig Reedie is to stand for election as vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which would make him the first Briton to hold the position for nearly 50 years.

Sir Craig will stand for election at the IOC Session in London, which is due to take place on the eve of the Olympics between July 24 and July 26.

The 71-year-old Scot is set to be one of two candidates for the two spots available, along with Morocco's former Olympic 400 metres hurdles Nawal El Moutawakel, who is currently heading the IOC's Coordination Commission for Rio 2016.

"I can confirm that I am standing for vice-president of the IOC," Sir Craig told insidethegames.

If he is successful, Sir Craig will become only the second Brition in the 118-year history of the IOC to hold the post, following in the footsteps of Lord Burghley, Marquess of Exeter, the 1928 Olympic 400m hurdles champion, who stood down from the role in 1966.

It would be fitting if Sir Craig was to be elected at London as he was one of the key figures in the capital's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

His contribution led to him being knighted but the huge role he played is still often overlooked by many.

As a former President of the International Badminton Federation Sir Craig was the driving force behind the sport being elected onto the Olympic programme, making its debut at Barcelona in 1992.

He was also the chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA) from 1992 to 2005, stepping down after London's succesful bid.

Sir Craig's influence has grown since London were awarded the Games.

He was elected onto the IOC's ruling Executive Board in October 2009 and is also a leading member of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Foundation Board.

-Duncan Mackay

Source: www.insidethegames.biz