Swimming Australia advise all-female Independent Panel moves to next phase

Swimming Australia has advised that the Independent Panel - formed last month to review and report into issues related to women and girls' experience and advancement in the sport of swimming - has moved to the next phase.

The formation of the panel was initiated in the wake of two-time Olympic silver medallist Maddie Groves quitting the Tokyo Olympic trials, citing "misogynistic perverts" in the sport.

Submissions to the independent panel have now closed. The panel - which will inquire into the most appropriate mechanisms to create a safer swimming community - is supported by the Australian Sports Commission through the Australian Institute of Sport, and Swimming Australia.

The panel, comprising of Chris Ronalds, Professor Alexandra Parker and Katherine Bates, will now begin the next phase of their work as they start to form their review and report into issues related to women and girls' experience and advancement in the sport of swimming.

While all members of the panel possess extensive experience and knowledge to undertake the work of the review, if they require specific technical swimming advice, the panel will consult swimmers, coaches and other appropriate people for information.

Professor Alexandra Parker is the Executive Director of the Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) at Victoria University. Professor Parker is a clinical researcher in mental health. Her fields of speciality are in the role of physical activity for preventing and treating mental health concerns, and the mental health and wellbeing of athletes with a focus on women in sport. In addition to her academic and research history, during Professor Parker’s career, she has partnered closely with Orygen and headspace youth mental health organisations.  

Katherine Bates is the Head of Operations for Chicks who Ride Bikes. As a former professional Australian track and road cyclist, Ms Bates completed in Commonwealth and Olympic games. Ms Bates has had extensive board and community experience, as Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission and Director of Bicycle NSW.

Ronalds said both Professor Parker and Ms Bates brought extensive experience and knowledge to undertake the work of the review. If this work requires specific technical swimming advice, the panel will consult swimmers, coaches and other appropriate people for information.

The panel will report findings and recommendations to the Presidents of both the ASC and Swimming Australia.