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Chief denies rift

Date: November 25 2012

Daniel Lane

OUTGOING Swimming Australia chief executive Kevin Neil has denied he was a casualty of the swim team's below-par Olympic campaign but he admitted the pressure of the role has had an impact on his health.

Neil, the former chief executive of the Canberra Raiders NRL team, resigned on Thursday after telling the Swimming Australia president, Barclay Nettlefold, that he did not believe the role was working out. He said he would work as a consultant to complete projects he had initiated.

''To be in a sport like swimming when you're not from it, and don't know anyone … four years is probably the right time,'' he said.

''I was not a casualty of the Olympics, although the pressure of the Games was enormous on me and the coach [Leigh Nugent].''

Neil, who said he would now work as a labourer for the building business he owns with his son, told Fairfax he was proud of his accomplishments since assuming the role in 2008: he increased the revenue from $14.9 million to $25 million; obtained a television broadcaster and a new major sponsor; instigated initiatives such as putting the London Olympic trials out to tender; and devoted energy and funds to the paralympic program.

Former Swimming Australia president David Urquhart said it would be wrong if Neil was a scapegoat for London. ''If he's in anyway shouldering the blame for what happened in London it's disgraceful.''


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