No rivals for Zhukov in Russian Olympic Committee presidential election

Aleksandr Zhukov is expected to be named as the new head of the Russia’s Olympic Committee next month.

The country’s Deputy Prime Minister appeared to be the only candidate for the position to date.

The 53-year-old will thus succeed Leonid Tyagachev, who resigned last month following Russia's lackluster performance at the Vancouver Winter Games, at which the Team finished with just three golds, in 11th place in overall medals count.

Zhukov’s candidacy is backed by former head Tyagachev and International Olympic Committee member Shamil Terpischev.

“Zhukov is supported by a number of Russian sports organizations. We are trying to learn some lessons after Vancouver, therefore Zhukov is the man who is thought by many to be able to turn things around ahead of the games in London and Sochi. We are now in a position where we can't take any risks,” Rostislav Murzagulov, Russian Olympic Committee Adviser, told RT.

The election of the new head of the Russia’s Olympic Committee is scheduled for May 20.