Sir Craig Reedie has backed Sir Chris Hoy to stand for election to the IOC Athletes' Commission for the 2012 Olympics.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) put Hoy forward as the country's representative for the Beijing Olympics but the Scot's bid failed despite popular support among competing athletes, who elect the committee members.

The cyclist is one of Britain's most successful Olympians. He followed up his gold in the kilo in Athens with three more last year and is likely to be challenging for more medals when the Games come to Britain in three years' time.

Elected members to the commission liaise with the IOC Executive Board about reform within the organisation.

Hoy has often stated his desire to become involved in sports politics and Reedie believes joining the commission in 2012 would be a great move for both him and the IOC.

"I think it would be wonderful if he could again stand and I hope the BOA put him forward for the London Games where I'm sure he'll be taking part," Reedie said.

"Perhaps that's the route to go for him. He would be a very good athlete member of the IOC.

"If he wants to get involved in sport politics after cycling he can do that as well.

"It's maybe not the way you'd choose to earn a living and I'm sure Chris will have his own plans for life after cycling but if he's prepared to put a little bit back into the sport or the IOC after he's finished then they will only benefit."

Reedie made history 10 days ago when he became the first Briton to be elected on to the IOC's executive board for almost half a century.

The 67-year-old beat Ireland's Patrick Hickey for a seat on the ruling board of the IOC after failing to win election on two previous occasions.

He is hopeful his election to the board will improve the relationship between the BOA and the IOC in the lead up to the London Games.

"It was a nice feeling to be elected on to the executive board," he added.

"It is the cabinet of the Olympic movement, they run the show and it will be nice to be part of that running up to London.

"With a bit of luck we will be able to maintain the very close relationship that already exists with the IOC in Lausanne and the local organising committee.

"The people involved with hosting 2012 have to deal with the holder of the franchise (the IOC) because if we don't we won't have a successful Games and I hope to be involved somewhere in the middle to make sure that partnership works."

Reedie believes 2012 will be a great success despite worries over funding and the Games' legacy in the capital.

"London will do it differently to Beijing," he added.

"It won't be better or worse, it will be different. It will benefit some parts of London that are poorly off.

"The Olympic Park will develop for the next 25 or 30 years. It's a huge legacy for East London and the whole city."