Michael Fennell is standing down as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation ©Getty Images

A two-way battle has emerged to replace Mike Fennell as President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), who is stepping down after 40 years in the position.

Fennell, 82, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) from 1998 until 2011, has overseen a huge period of change within Jamaican sport since first being elected President in 1977.

The Caribbean island has won 18 gold and a total of 65 Olympic medals under his rule.

Current JOA vice-president Vishu Tolan and secretary general Christopher Samuda are expected to be confirmed as two candidates to replace him when nominations close today.

"The time comes when one has to make a decision to retire," Fennell told insidethegames here today at a United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Best Practices Seminar.

"There has been a huge amount of change over the last 40 years both in terms of technology and the philosophy of sport.

"My highlights stretch from Don Quarrie [who won 200 metres gold at the Montreal 1976 Olympics] to [eight-time gold medallist] Usain Bolt today.

"Another highlight was a cycling [1000m  time trial] bronze for David Weller at Moscow 1980.

"My disappointment is that we have not achieved more outside athletics, but I think Jamaican sport is now in a very strong position.

"I am proud of my contribution as a volunteer."

Don Quarrie, the Olympic 200 metres gold medallist at Montreal 1976, was among the great Jamaican athletes to achieve success during Michael Fennell's 40-year tenure as President of the JOA ©Getty Images
Don Quarrie, the Olympic 200 metres gold medallist at Montreal 1976, was among the great Jamaican athletes to achieve success during Michael Fennell's 40-year tenure as President of the JOA ©Getty Images

Fennell, who captained the Jamaican water polo team at the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago, denied any suggestion that doping problems have overshadowed recent Jamaican sporting achievements.

"I think Jamaican doping problems are blown out of all proportion and they are nothing compared with situations in other countries," he said.

"We have worked to improve our programmes and their is no question about our commitment for drug-free sport."

All 36 member federations will then cast one vote to select Fennell's replacement in an election scheduled to take place in Kingston on June 27.

The contest is considered evenly matched and has been described a squaring off between two "heavyweights" by the Jamaica Gleaner today.

According to the newspaper, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Warren Blake is set to support Tolan while JAAA general secretary Garth Gayle would back Samuda.

Tolan is currently a vice-president of the Badminton World Federation and Samuda leads the Jamaica Paralympic Association. 

Fennell will remain involved in both the CGF, as Honorary President, and with the Pan American Sports Organization.