体坛英语新闻：Medvedev: Olympic chief's resignation "normal reaction"

MOSCOW, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The decision for Russia's incumbent Olympic chief Leonid Tyagachev to quit was a "normal reaction to comments by Medvedev and Russian sports fans," said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Thursday in a statement on his website.

The Russian Olympic Committee earlier said that Tyagachev had rendered resignation, which will be officially announced at an upcoming meeting of the committee.

Tyagachev, 63, served as sports and tourism minister before he took the post in the Olympic Committee in 2001.

Russia recorded its worst performance in Vancouver, taking only three golds, five silvers and seven bronzes to finish 11th for golds and sixth in the overall medal standings.

Medvedev on Monday called for a drastic change in the system of athlete training, as well as resignation of officials responsible for preparing Russian athletes for the Winter Olympics.

"Those who bear responsibility for the Olympic preparations should take responsibility immediately. Those responsible should take a courageous decision and submit their resignations," said the president.

Also on Thursday Medvedev instructed the government to involve nongovernmental organizations in discussing the situation and draft proposals for reforming the sports management system in Russia.

Another official heavily criticized by the media, Russian sports and tourism minister Vitaly Mutko has also expressed readiness to resign ensuing Russia's Vancouver flop.