Whangārei athletics coaching maestro Ian Babe has been chosen as the new president of Athletics New Zealand.
Babe, aged 81, was picked to be Athletics NZ's next president at the 131st AGM of the national athletics body in Wellington last weekend.
The well respected coach takes over the reins from Dianne Rodger who completed her 12 month term at the weekend.
Babe officially 'retired' form coaching in 2016, but has returned to coach 13-year-old Parua Bay runner Bella Earl.
After recognising her talent he couldn't resist making sure she got the right coaching to advance and was on hand to see her win her first national title in Wellington at the weekend.