The 46-year-old had been a coach on the New Zealand team that competed in last year's Olympics in Beijing, where Bevan Docherty won a bronze medal in the men's race.

 

Dave Beeche, the chief executive of Tri NZ, said: "We attracted interest in this role from right around the globe; such is New Zealand's reputation as one of the world's most successful triathlon nations.

 

"The fact the person to come through that process as the number one candidate was a New Zealander is a credit to Greg.

 

"What was clear throughout this process is the enormous respect and mana that Greg holds in the triathlon community from athletes and coaches.

 

"The Board is delighted that Greg has made the decision to join us and oversee our high performance programme through to the London Olympics."

 

The appointment included detailed consultation with a selection of elite coaches and a panel of athletes who were invited to meet with the final two candidates to hear and share views on the future of the sport at the top level.

 

Beeche said: "This is the most critical appointment Tri NZ will make with regards our high performance programme and success in London and beyond that 2016.

 

"We have consulted the coaches, athletes and key stakeholders throughout the process to enable us to make the best and most informed decision.

 

"The quality of the applicants was of a very high standard, but the response to Greg's appointment is one of almost universal approval.

 

"He will be a highly valued addition to the Tri NZ team."

 

Fraine, 46, said: "When the opportunity came up to lead the elite level of the sport through to London my heart rate picked up a little and I am delighted and humbled to have won through a vigorous and detailed selection process.

 

"My involvement in the sport dates back to 1980 when I entered and won my first triathlon.

 

"I have since clocked up 29 years and countless hours working directly with elite athletes, the Tri NZ High performance programme and of course taking part myself at various World Championships."

 

Fraine won a a silver in cycling at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and was the captain of the New Zealand team that competed in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

 

After switching to triathlon, he was the captain of New Zealand's team at the World Championships between 1992 and 1995.

 

New Zealand has an outstanding record in triathlon since the sport made its debut at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.

 

They had taken the gold and silver medals at the 2004 Games in Athens when Hamish Carter beat Docherty.

 

Fraine said: "I am under no illusions as to the enormity of the task I am charged with but with the great support team at Tri NZ and the quality of the athletes and coaches we have, I am convinced we can live up to expectations."

 

Beeche said: "The role is a demanding one, one that requires a wide range of skills and experience to make work.

 

"Greg has experience as an elite athlete, coach and manager, including a management and coach role with the Tri NZ team in Beijing.

 

"He has all the skills and understanding to give us the best shot of success in London and at major events along the way."