New GB chief is aiming to eclipse the achievements of London in Rio

The Swede has been charged with filling the considerable shoes of Charles van Commenee, who has opted to walk away when his contract expires in December after his team were unable to meet his lofty target of eight medals at this year’s Olympics.

Eriksson, 59, is reluctant to name a figure to aim for at Rio 2016 but wants to at least eclipse the celebrated class of 2012.

The Scandinavian, who led Team GB to third in the medal table at the London Paralympics with 11 golds and 29 medals in total, said: “I think it’s a fantastic privilege to be appointed to this position and I’m really thrilled about the opportunity.

“The team did so well at the Olympic Games and it’s something we can build on. I think we have in front of us a golden generation going forward to the 2016 Games and 2017 World Championships, where we can perform even better.

“I think the next five years and beyond are going to be really exciting for the British athletics community.”

Eriksson believes there is potential to achieve even more in Rio de Janeiro. “The vision is to do better and better and take more and more medals. We’ll set a target – we’re in discussions right now with UK Sport about funding and what the target is going to be.

“Am I going to set a target and then resign if I don’t meet the exact numbers? I don’t know. That’s not what I’ve done in the past.

“There will be more pressure because of the media attention but that’s not something that worries me. What worries me is to have the athletes in the right place and the coaches in the right place to do the best we can do.”