Ryan Pini has been congratulated by his NOC for earning his role at WADA ©Getty Images

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has expressed its pride after the country's swimmer Ryan Pini was elected chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Athlete Council.

Pini, winner of a Commonwealth Games gold medal at Melbourne 2006 in the 100 metres butterfly, was confirmed in the role last month and automatically gains a seat on the WADA Executive Committee.

He is also a 28-time gold medallist at the Pacific Games and will be Papua New Guinea's Chef de Mission at next year's Olympic Games in Paris. 

Other athlete representative roles he has see him sit on the Boards of the Pacific Games Council, the PNGOC and the PNG Sport Anti-Doping Organisation.

Ryan Pini is the most decorated athlete from Papua New Guinea ©Getty Images
Ryan Pini is the most decorated athlete from Papua New Guinea ©Getty Images

"Being Papua New Guinea and Team PNG's most decorated athlete that has represented our country in the sport of swimming at the Pacific, Commonwealth and Olympic Games and also at the World Championships, Pini's appointment is a testament of a great athlete role model who continues to aspire for excellence," said PNGOC President Sir John Dawanincura.

"With his experience as an athlete and now representing athletes on various national and regional Boards, I am confident Ryan will lead the WADA Athlete Council with integrity and respect."

Pini was nominated for chair by World Aquatics.