Four-time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent has ruled himself out of replacing Craig Reedie as chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

Pinsent was the favourite to take over from Reedie, who confirmed his resignation from the post yesterday. "It was a very hard decision but, with the profile of the chairman's role, I don't think a media career would be possible”, said Pinsent. “The job of BOA chairman will be under the microscope and I think I would have my impartiality called into question."

Pinsent writes a regular column for The Times and is believed to have been on training courses at the BBC.

The news will come as a blow to Reedie, 64, as he is believed to have favoured Pinsent, who has served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for two years.

Reedie – who will continue serving as a member of the IOC – kept a low profile in the runup to Singapore, but has been acknowledged as a significant factor in putting together the winning bid.

Each National Governing Body has the opportunity to propose candidates for the position by 5 September, before elections on 5 October.

At this stage, David Hemery, who won gold in the 400m hurdles at the Mexico City Olympics, is believed to be the only candidate for the honorary position, although former Conservative sports minister, Lord Colin Moynihan has also expressed an interest.