The Australian doctor will also chair the CGF’s Anti-Doping and Medical Commission.

He replaces Malaysia’s Manikavasagam Jegathesan, who had retried at the last CGF General Assembly in Rwanda.

Jegathesan, a former sprinter who represented Malaysia in three Olympic Games and whose national 200 metres record at Mexico City 1968 stood for 49 years until it was broken in 2017, was affectionately known as "The Flying Doctor."

He had been the CGF’s chief medical adviser since the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Harcourt, specialist sports and exercise physician, is one of the leading professionals in his field with decades of experience working in international sport.

He currently chairs both the International Cricket Council Medical Advisory Committee and the International Basketball Association Medical Commission.

Harcourt is also a member of the Prohibited List Expert Group of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

He also holds the roles of medical director of the Australian Football League, chief medical officer to Basketball Australia and anti-doping medical officer to Cricket Australia.

Harcourt has worked at the Commonwealth Games in several roles, including as chief medical officer at Melbourne 2006 and as a member of the CGF Medical Commission at Gold Coast 2018.

He is also the chairman of the Commonwealth Games Australia Medical.

"I am very pleased to be taking up the CGF medical advisor role," Harcourt said.

"I have been involved with the Commonwealth Sport Movement in various capacities for over two decades and look forward to using my knowledge and experience in order to help the CGF fulfil its vision and mission."

Harcourt was appointed following an international search.

"I am delighted to have the highly respected Dr Peter Harcourt as our new medical advisor," CGF President Dame Louise Martin said.

"His significant experience working in numerous high-profile medical roles across international sport is unparalleled.

"He will make a positive impact to the CGF as Chair of the Anti-Doping and Medical Commission and as a member of our Executive Board."