The former JOA secretary general beat Tolan, currently a vice-president of the Badminton World Federation, by 20 votes to 16 at the organisation's Annual General Meeting in Kingston.

Samuda replaces Mike Fennell, who stepped down after 40 years in the position.

The contest was considered evenly matched in the build up and had been described as a squaring off between two "heavyweights" by the Jamaica Gleaner.

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

"The election is over and I am pleased to announce that I got the vote of confidence for the office," said Samuda, according to the Jamaica Observer.

"It's a new dawn, but we will build on the institutional integrity for which the JOA is known."

Samuda added: "There will be changes in the interest of sports, but those changes will be seamless.

"I want to publicly thank the honourable Mike Fennell for the years of service that he has given to the Olympic Movement.

"The sterling quality of character that he displayed, the quality of leadership he displayed, also the unwavering interest in the development of the Olympic movement, not only in Jamaica, but regionally and internationally."

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 a total of 65 Olympic medals, including 18 gold, under his rule.

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