England Athletics appoints new Chair

England Athletics is pleased to announce that Sami Smithson, former Royal Air Force Squadron Leader and Chair of Accrington Stanley Women’s Football Club, has been appointed to the position of England Athletics Chair, effective 21 November 2026.  

Sami brings a wealth of leadership experience across sport, inclusion and organisational development, having led safeguarding and inclusion programmes across national governing bodies, major multi-sport events and elite international teams.  

Sami spent 18 years in the Royal Air Force, serving on operational tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since then, she has spent her career making sure people get a fair and safe chance to take part and be the best versions of themselves. She has held leadership roles at the British Judo Association and Welsh Judo Association, and supported Team England at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as Great Britain at two Virtus Games for athletes with intellectual impairments.  

Closer to home, she is Chair and Managing Director of Accrington Stanley Women FC, where she has helped shape a club culture that creates opportunities for young women both on and off the pitch. 

Sport has been a constant in Sami Smithson's life for as long as she can remember. Judo was the sport she chose and excelled at. She grew up in Accrington, where her parents ran the local club, and went on to compete for Great Britain from 1992 to 2004, winning a European Team silver medal amongst her successes. But she loved almost every other sport and activity too: running, triathlon, hockey, football, swimming and diving.  

That love of sport shaped everything that followed and speaking of the appointment, Sami commented:

“Athletics is the foundation of so many sports and gives people the skills, confidence and tools they need to set them up for life. It’s a privilege to be joining England Athletics as Chair and I’m looking forward to continuing building on the commendable work that Gary and the board have achieved over the last few years. 

“As Chair, my role is to help empower our leaders whilst tapping into the experience and specialist knowledge of our esteemed board to drive the sport forward and be truly representative of the communities we serve. I believe athletics and running should feel like somewhere everyone belongs, whether that is a high-performance athlete topping the podium, a child in a school hall having a go with a foam javelin or plastic discus, or someone lacing up their trainers for the first time.” 

Outgoing Chair, Gary Shaughnessy, said:

“The last five years as Chair of England Athletics have flown by. I would like to thank all those in the community who have, during my time as Chair, created a positive momentum across the sport. I am delighted that Sami has been appointed as the new Chair. Even in a short time, she has impressed me with her leadership qualities and ability to step back and see what really matters. Her ability to put the sport and the community well ahead of herself will be a real strength in building partnerships and trust.” 

Sami’s appointment comes at the midpoint of England Athletics 2022-2032 strategic plan, and will be formally welcomed as Chair at the England Athletics AGM.