The role is part of an overall strategy by the IPC to expand the network of athletes involved in the organisation of each of the sports under its governance.

Johnson will act as the liaison between the overarching IPC Athletes' Council and IPC Shooting's Sport Technical Committee (STC), but will not sit on the Council.

He will also organise athlete gatherings at major events and attend STC meetings and Sport Forums.

"Mike is one of the most prolific shooters within the sport and I am delighted to welcome him as the Athlete Liaison Officer," said Sarah Bond, IPC Shooting sport manager.

"The athlete voice is crucial to the progress of IPC Shooting.

"His experience and knowledge will help us to even higher levels, and keep the momentum going after the most successful World Championships ever in Suhl, Germany, this year."

Michael Johnson is one of Para-shooting's most recognisable figures having won medals at three Paralympic Games ©Getty Images



Johnson is one of Para-shooting's most recognisable figures.

He has competed at every Paralympic Games since Athens 2004, where he won gold in the men's SH2 standing air rifle event, while also collecting two victories at the World Championships in 2006 and 2010 respectively. 

"I am really looking forward to representing the views of athletes at the highest levels of the sport, and using innovative ways to gather feedback and communicate with them," Johnson said.

"I have lots of ideas including creating a group of shooters from around the world to help shape the ongoing development and progress of the sport.

"I also really want to use social media and technology as a way of speaking to people around the world, for example Google Hangouts, Facebook and Twitter."

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