Nugent Temporarily Coaching at Nunawading Swimming Centre in Melbourne -- October 11, 2005

MELBOURNE, Australia, October 11. DUE to the sexual abuse charges levied against Mark Thompson, Leigh Nugent has taken over training of the senior group at Nunawading Swimming Centre in Melbourne. The club is currently seeking a replacement for Thompson, who was charged last week with sexually abusing a boy under 16. Nugent is Australia’s National Youth Coach.

Thompson is the longtime coach of Brooke Hanson, the Olympic silver medalist in the 100 breaststroke in Athens. The charges against Thompson date to 1998. He was the 2005 Australian Coach of the Year and was granted bail after appearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court. He is expected to return to court in January.