Olympic rower is new IOC medical director

Dr Budgett, who became an Olympic Champion when he won the men’s coxed four with Steve Redgrave in 1984, will replace Dr Patrick Schamasch who will retire from the role later this year.

FISA’s president Denis Oswald says: “This is great news to have an Olympic gold medallist from our sport and an extremely respected doctor like Richard take such a key position in the Olympic movement.”

Currently Budgett is working as the Chief Medical Officer for the London Olympic organising committee (LOCOG) which he will see through the Olympic Games before taking up his role at the IOC on 1 October.

Budgett’s involvement in both the summer and winter Olympic Games is extensive. The London Olympics will be his 12th time attending the Games. Budgett’s first time attending was as an athlete when he competed at the 1984 Olympics in the men’s four. His crew, which included Steve Redgrave, finished first. Sinced then Budgett has been a team doctor and then the Chief Medical Officer for Team Great Britain at various Games including the Winter Olympics.

Budgett is medically trained as a general practitioner with a focus on sports medicine. He is a specialist consultant in sport and exercise medicine.

A strong anti-doping advocate, Budgett’s current role with the London Games sees him responsible for medical and anti-doping services.