Swimming reviews critical of Australian leadership
Recommendations by two critical reviews into Australian swimming have been handed down, with both citing a lack of leadership in Australian swimming.
Both reports were published within hours of each other on Tuesday February 19.
The Bluestone Report (Swimming Australia Culture Review) is a review of culture and leadership in Australian Olympic swimming prepared by the Bluestone Edge consultancy, led by expert sports consultant Dr Pippa Grange and commissioned by Swimming Australia Ltd (SAL). The Independent Review of Swimming was handed down by the Hon. Warwick Smith AM and his panel, and was instigated by SAL and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).
The Bluestone Report said that some Olympic swimmers in London abused drugs (the prescription sleeping pill Stilnox), and that the culture showed a glorification of the star swimmers while turning a blind eye to bullying of youngsters.
The poor Olympic performance in the pool – the worst in 20 years – was caused by a “toxic” environment and a lack of leadership from coaches, SAL and some senior swimmers. However, it did make the point that some senior swimmers tried to intervene but were ignored and treated as troublemakers. Libby Trickett spoke out on Wednesday saying that the lack of a psychologist was a major flaw as younger swimmers were under great stress, and so were experienced swimmers who had gone up a level in expectation and media scrutiny.
The report called the London Olympics the “Individual Olympics” and the “Lonely Olympics” taking the quotes from competing swimmers.
Head coach Leigh Nugent responded to the reports by criticising the use of the word “toxic” and saying the problems mentioned were not obvious.
ASC CEO Simon Hollingsworth said he was disappointed by Nugent’s dismissive reaction to the findings. Hollingsworth was quoted in News Ltd media on Wednesday as saying: “I think it's fair to say the head coach should have oversight of the broad happenings of the team.”
The Bluestone Report recommends the head coach undergo an intensive “coach-the-coaches” leadership program lasting at least three months.
The Independent Review of Swimming (IRS) had 35 recommendations designed to improved leadership, oversight and accountability.
In a statement, SAL welcomed the release of the IRS report and President Barclay Nettlefold said the completion of both reviews will further aid the change and new direction for the sport.
“We’ve been proactive and work has already started on the majority of the recommendations in these reports, including the introduction of a High Performance Director and an Ethical framework,” said Nettlefold.
“The board will now implement a 100-day plan to further address the recommendations in both reviews. The establishment of an Integrity Panel will look at specific incidents discussed in the reviews and address them in isolation, and in accordance with the Swimming Australia Team Agreements and disciplinary procedures available.
“Before we look at winning gold medals, we want to win back the admiration of the nation, and we want to engage with our swimming community like never before at every level,” he said.
In addition to the Integrity Panel looking into disciplinary matters, the Swimming Australia board will now look to prioritise and categorise further recommendations from both reviews, as part of the re-development of the strategic plan for the next eight years.
For further information on the Independent Review of Swimming go to www.ausport.gov.au
To see the Bluestone Review into culture and leadership for Swimming Australia go to www.swimming.org.au
