Swimming: Aussie coach out after Olympic shame

Nugent no longer wants to continue in the role, says Nettlefold.

SYDNEY: Australian swimming officials said head coach Leigh Nugent will resign after a dismal London Olympic campaign marred by ill-discipline, drug use and drunkenness. Swimming Australia President Barclay Nettlefold said Nugent no longer wanted to continue in the role, although press reports claimed he was sacked. “Leigh actually approached us to discuss his future and where he would best fit into the new structure of the High Performance Unit,” said Nettlefold. “In those discussions it soon became very clear that while he still wanted to remain involved in the sport, he didn’t want to continue in the position of head coach.” Nugent has been under pressure after reports into Australia’s disappointing performance in the Olympic pool found drunkenness, misuse of prescription drugs and bullying were among ‘toxic’ incidents at the Games.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2013.