The 25-year-old multiple world and European medallist, who ran unopposed for the position at the sport's world governing body, will succeed incumbent Russian Vera Sessina when her term starts at the beginning of January 2014.

Charkashyna has been a member of the Belarusian team for 13 years and is an active promoter of women in sport within her National Olympic Committee.

She said she is excited about this new challenge and looks forward to contributing to the global development of rhythmic gymnastics.

Ahead of Charkashyna's election at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Kyiv, FIG President Bruno Grandi gave a speech highlighting the important role athletes play in the future of the organisation.

"Your opinion counts," he said.

"Your experience helps us to grow, to improve.

"Actively participate in your respective technical committees and remind us, if necessary, that the gymnasts, I was one myself, are at the heart of all our actions."

Charkashyna now joins Azerbaijan's Ayla Ahmadova and Mexican Aldrin Rodríguez García - who represent acrobatics and aerobics respectively - on the FIG Athletes' Commission, which is chaired by Jani Tanskanen of Finland.

Representatives for artistic gymnastics and trampoline will be elected at the 2013 Artistic World Championships, taking place in Antwerp from September 30 to October 6, and the Trampoline World Championships, in Sofia on November 7 utnil 10, respectively.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2013: Belarus claims gold at Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships to make up for London 2012 disappointment
August 2013: Exclusive - FIG management is trying to discredit rhythmic gymnastics from list of Olympic sports, claims Technical Committee chief