Kjøll received only 29 votes compared to Zaineb Al-Samarai who received 138 votes in a vote to become sports president at the parliament in Bergen on Sunday.

Kjøll had a difficult election campaign as a much-discussed and expensive notification case put him in a vulnerable position. Negative reports characterized the news picture surrounding the NIF and the way the situation was handled. After the election, he clearly realized that democratic thinking helped him survive the election.

– I voted to take part in the candidacy because I think it is good for democracy. That’s what drives me, Kjøll told NTB.

He himself thought he had stood firm in the storm and hoped it would be his legacy.

– I don’t regret anything. I think we have stood strong in a challenging period and delivered solid results for Norwegian sport. That’s what I hope will be my legacy, says Kjøll.

Now more free time, family, and a variety of other board positions await. The 67-year-old isn’t done exercising yet.

– I always thought I would win. Either I get selected here, or I win another section with more free time and other interesting tasks. “I think I will continue to fill my time with family, friends and board positions,” said Kjøll.

Among other things, he sits on the board of the European Olympic Committee (EOC). He also chairs the EOC’s sustainability commission.

– One of my legs is in the mix, Kjøll concludes.

[ «Hvor fornøyd er norsk idrett med valget av Al-Samarai om fire år?» ]

[ Zaineb Al-Samarai knuste Kjøll – valgt til ny idrettspresident ]