The 41-year-old Tanskanen, the high bar champion from the 1997 World Championships in Lausanne, has become an elected member of the FIG's ruling Executive Committee.

As a result, he has opted to step down from a role he held for seven years "due to the possible conflict of interest and incompatibility with his new position". 

Charkashyna, winner of the Olympic bronze medal in the rhythmic all-round competition at London 2012, was elected as the new President by Athletes' Commission members today.

She will serve out the remainder of Tanskanen's term before new Presidential elections are held in December of this year or January 2018.

"During the past seven years, I have done my best to make the athletes’ voices heard within the FIG," said Tanskanen. 

Tanskanen added: "The interests of the athletes will always remain in my heart and will be the most important aspect in my new function as an FIG Executive Committee member.

"I congratulate Liubou on her election and I am utterly confident that she will defend the athletes' interests with the same passion."

Britain's Beth Tweddle, Portugal's Nuno Merino and Hungary's Dora Hegyi are current members of the Commission.

"I would like to say thank you to Jani for his excellent work," said 29-year-old Charkashyna. 

"He showed us how to defend the athletes at the highest level.

"I would like also to thank the Commission for electing me and for its support. 

"I will use all my powers to promote gymnastics, this beautiful sport, in the world."