Swimming Australia initiates culture review

Swimming Australia's newly appointed President Barclay Nettlefold has announced the appointment of consultancy firm Bluestone Edge to conduct a review into the culture of the sport at the elite level.

Bluestone Edge Director, Dr Pippa Grange, will lead the assessment of culture and leadership to be conducted in parallel with the broader review to be undertaken by the Independent Swimming Review Panel, chaired by the Hon. Warwick Smith AM.

Bluestone Edge has been commissioned by Swimming Australia, in consultation with the Australian Swimmers' Association (ASA), to specifically assess the culture and leadership of the sport at the elite level.

Leading swimmers including Libby Trickett and former Olympic champion Susie O'Neill were critical of the attitude and harmony of the Australian team during a campaign which produced only one gold medal at London 2012.

The review will be highly confidential, independent and seek solutions moving forward.

Nettlefold explained "Dr Grange and her team have been engaged in similar work with elite sporting teams and corporate organisations, with demonstrated success.

"Bluestone Edge is committed to helping sports people and organisations flourish, using working models based on good ethical thinking, optimal organisational performance and active leadership."

"The work will cover our swimmers, coaches, our executive management group and the Board."

Dr Grange, said she was delighted to be able to contribute to Swimming Australia's program of review and renewal, stating "the focus of our work will be on making recommendations that can help build a sound, sustainable culture that focuses on athlete and organisational wellbeing."

ASA General Manager Daniel Kowalski welcomed the appointment of Bluestone Edge and congratulated Nettlefold on the initiative.

Kowalski stated "in his short time as Swimming Australia President, Barclay has communicated almost daily with myself and other ASA executives, updating us where he can.

"Barclay is extremely passionate about the sport and our swimmers. He wants the swimmers voices heard and is doing all he can to ensure they have the opportunity to fulfil their goals.

"Our swimmers should feel confident about the direction the sport is heading."

The review is expected to be completed by February 2013.

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