Results of the England Athletics 2024 Annual General Meeting

The England Athletics Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place in Birmingham today. We are grateful to all the clubs and member bodies who took part and continued to strengthen the sport. 

Following a member vote, England Athletics has confirmed three appointments to the Board, including one new appointment, one re-election and one re-appointment. 

Former international triple jumper and 1998 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Connie Henry MBE joins the board, alongside double Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist in the 100m hurdles, and former British record holder, Lorna Boothe MBE, who has been re-elected for a second term until 2028. Both individuals bring a strong heritage in the sport, coupled with a deep understanding of athletics at all levels. They remain actively involved in grassroots athletics clubs, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and fostering community engagement within the sport.  

One of the many important topics on which members were invited to provide their input was the re-appointment of Gary Shaughnessy as England Athletics Chair. Following the Special General Meeting on Age Group proposals in the summer, there had been a call by some to reflect concern about this specific issue in a vote against the Chair’s re-appointment. Votes were cast as follows: 

• For re-appointment: 143 votes (62%) 
• Against re-appointment: 87 votes (38%) 

The Board proceeded with the recommendation of the membership, and approved the re-appointment, meaning that Gary Shaughnessy will now embark on a second term as Chair (which will end in 2028). 

Gary Shaughnessy said: 

“Naturally, I’m very pleased to have been re-appointed, and I thank those who voted in my favour for their support.  

“I also would like to put on record my respect and appreciation for those who voted against me. It is critical that we encourage and respect different opinions if our sport is to thrive, and it is crucial that as many of our member clubs and bodies are engaged in decisions such as this as possible. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my – and the organisation’s commitment – to working collaboratively in this way; working together to ensure that our sport grows, progresses and embraces change when and where necessary.

“I’m delighted to be working alongside Connie and Lorna, and the rest of our board members to help make our sport stronger and more successful. At its best, athletics is a driving part of making a society that is fairer, more open and full of hope.”