Agberto Guimarães has taken up a new position in the Brazilian Olympic Committee ©Getty Images

Middle distance runner turned Rio 2016 sports director Agberto Guimarães has been appointed Executive Director of Sports at the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB). 

He becomes the first senior member of the Rio leadership team to take another post in the sports world following the completion of this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Guimarães finished fourth in the Moscow 1980 800 metres final in which Steve Ovett beat Sebastian Coe to gold.

He also claimed 800 and 1500m titles at the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas, in a year in which he also finished sixth in the inaugural World Championships final over two laps in Helsinki.

Agberto Guimarães (right) pictured alongside Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes and Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman ©Getty Images
Agberto Guimarães (right) pictured alongside Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes and Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman ©Getty Images

The 59-year-old has since switched to the administrative ranks, being involved in the Rio 2007 Pan American Games before his appointment as Executive Director of Sports and Paralympic Integration for Rio 2016.

He is expected to focus on the "technical management improvement" of the Brazil National Sports Federations in his new role. 

He will also work closely with the Brazilian Sports Ministry to create a national sports policy and help prepare Brazilian athletes for the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Pan American and South American Games.