Alan Thompson Cleared by Swimming Australia

SYDNEY, Australia, April 14. FORMER Australian swimming head coach Alan Thompson has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a four month investigation into claims of inappropriate behaviour at a coaches conference in 2007, Sydney's Daily Telegraph has reported today.

Thompson was stood down indefinitely last December after unsubstantiated allegations were brought to the attention of Swimming Australia about his conduct at a conference on the Gold Coast two years earlier.

But a lengthy four month investigation by Louise Donohoe, SC has found no evidence to support the allegations against Thompson.

The Daily Telegraph understands Donohoe completed her investigation last month, but Swimming Australia's board had not met to discuss the findings until last night (Tuesday).

Thompson accepted a redundancy package from Swimming Australia in January this year and National Youth Coach Leigh Nugent has since been appointed head coach of the Australian swim team.

Thompson had led the Australians to successful campaigns to the 2005, 2007 and 2009 FINA World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

He is widely accepted as one of the foremost authorities on international swimming and is one of the most respected head coaches in the world, who eventually took over the reins of the National program from long-time Australian head coach Don Talbot.

In a statement issued today Swimming Australia said it had been presented with the final independent investigation into anonymous allegations of inappropriate behavior made against former Head Coach Alan Thompson.

"On the basis of the investigation conducted by Louise Donohoe SC, there was no evidence found to support the allegation of inappropriate behavior made against Mr Thompson, as alleged in an anonymous letter referred to Swimming Australia through media sources whilst he was National Head Coach.

"The final findings were presented to the Swimming Australia board on Monday of this week and an out of session board meeting was held last night to discuss the findings.

"This matter is now closed and Swimming Australia will be making no further comment on the investigation."

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