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Swimming Australia chief executive Alex Baumann resigned for health reasons just three months after taking the job and immediately following Australia’s most successful Olympic swimming campaign.
Baumann, a Canadian, took over as head of the national governing body in May this year, but said recent health issues had forced him to make the decision to step down.
“As a double cancer survivor, I understand how important health and family are,” he said. “I am so happy with the performance of our Olympians and excited for our para-swimmers who are leaving for Tokyo next week.
“I recognize the timing is tough, but I know I have to take this time for myself and my family now.”
Baumann had been tasked with reviewing Australia’s swimming culture following allegations made by Maddie Groves just before the national trials began in June.
Baumann tasked an all-female panel to investigate allegations by the two-time Olympic silver medalist and others that threatened to derail preparations for the Tokyo Olympics.
The Australian swimming team ended up having their most successful Games ever, with nine gold medals won.
“Alex has been integral to our success through his experience in high performance as well as his leadership within our organization,” said Swimming Australia President Kieren Perkins.
Perkins said a replacement CEO will be appointed in due course, but the focus will be on the Paralympic team over the coming weeks.
“Our next CEO will be responsible for bringing Swimming Australia into the new era of swimming, with a focus on safety, elite performance and community engagement as we turn our attention to Paris 2024,” a said Perkins.
“We are sad to see Alex go. It is a great loss for our sport, but we understand its reasons. “
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