The IAAF president graduated from Loughborough in 1979 before going on to achieve his Olympic success

Lord Sebastian Coe has been announced as Loughborough University’s new Chancellor.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist and IAAF president graduated from Loughborough in 1979 before going on to achieve his Olympic success in 1980 and 1984.

Coe, who graduated with a BSc in Economics and Social History, was made an Honorary Doctor of Technology (Hon DTech) by the university in 1985 and was appointed as a Pro Chancellor in 2012.

He will now become Loughborough’s sixth Chancellor, replacing Sir Nigel Rudd, and be officially installed at the university’s summer graduation ceremonies in July.

The Chancellor is the chief ambassador of the university, presides over ceremonial functions and confers degrees on graduates of the university.

"Loughborough University seems to have been part of my life for about as long as I remember," said Coe. "Whilst my love of athletics started in school it was at Loughborough that I began to realise my full potential with the support of world-class coaches and sport scientists who worked alongside my coach and father.

"Since that time Loughborough has gained a pre-eminent position as a global leader in higher education, teaching and research. It also prides itself on creating an environment where students are able to develop their talents in and out of the lecture theatre that better prepares them for life beyond university.

"I am very honoured to take on this role and look forward to the next chapter in the history of the university."