Grainger was chosen as the British Olympic Association’s first female leader

Katherine Grainger, a former Olympic rower and current head of UK Sport, was elected chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA) on Thursday, making her the first woman to hold the position.

Grainger was chosen by the National Olympic Committee (NOC) members to succeed Hugh Robertson, who has been in the role since he succeeded Sebastian Coe in 2016. Grainger is the first British woman to have won a medal at five consecutive Olympic Games.

In a statement, Grainger stated, “Being elected Chair of the BOA is a huge honor as the Olympics has been central to my life for nearly 30 years.”

“During my time as Chair of UK Sport, I have learned the power of collaboration as part of this impressive eco system that enables Olympic sport to flourish in the UK, and so I look forward to embarking on this next chapter with the BOA.”

When Grainger’s second term at UK Sport ends early next year, she will assume the position.