A local barrister and former Commonwealth record-holding athlete has been appointed as an arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Blondel Thompson, who has been practicing at Birmingham-based St Philips Chambers specialising in crime and sports law for more than 20 years, will become part of the international arbitration body, based in Switzerland, which deals with such issues as transfer disputes and doping allegations.

Ms Thompson said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this position and it is a tribute to the wonderful support I have received from UK Athletics. I look forward to working in the Court of Arbitration in 2011. This is also a great opportunity for Birmingham as it is testimony to the strength, not only of the local athletics industry, but also professionals in the city who are working on international business.”

As the mother of Daniel Caines, former World Indoor Champion at 400m, and sister to two professional footballers, it is no surprise Miss Thompson developed an expertise in sports law.

In 1998 she became a panel member for disciplinary tribunals at UK Athletics and was appointed as chairwoman in 2001 for the Football Association Appeals Board.