Alex Baumann Stepping Down As Chief Executive of Swimming Australia Due to Health Reasons

Alex Baumann Stepping Down As Chief Executive of Swimming Australia Due to Health Reasons

Just a week after its team put together a strong performance at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Swimming Australia has announced that Alex Baumann, its Chief Executive, is stepping down from that role due to health concerns. A two-time Olympic champion for Canada at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, Baumann was at the helm as Australia enjoyed an Olympic resurgence – fueled by Emma McKeon, Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown – following subpar showings at the 2012 and 2016 Games.

Here is the full statement from Swimming Australia:

Swimming Australia has today announced that Alex Baumann will be stepping down from the role of Chief Executive of Swimming Australia for health reasons.

During his career, Alex Baumann has made a significant contribution to the sport of swimming internationally and in Australia – as a dual Olympic gold medallist, a coach and as a sports administrator in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Swimming Australia President Kieren Perkins thanked Baumann for his service to the sport, including overseeing our most successful Olympic performance in the history of Australian swimming. “Alex has been integral to our success from his experience in high performance as well as his leadership within our organisation,” Perkins said.

Baumann said: “I’m proud of my contribution to swimming. My time at Swimming Australia, including the results at the Tokyo Olympics, will forever be a career highlight.”

He said stepping down was a decision he came to after significant consideration following recent health issues. “As a two-time cancer survivor, I appreciate how important health and family are. I’ve been so pleased with the performance of our Olympians and excited for our para-swimmers who depart for Tokyo next week. I recognise the timing is difficult but I know I must take this time for myself and my family now,” Baumann said.

Perkins said Swimming Australia’s key focus is supporting the Dolphins competing in the Paralympics, and this will be the Board’s main focus over the coming weeks.

The Board will appoint an interim CEO and begin the recruitment process. “Our next CEO will be tasked with leading Swimming Australia into the new era of swimming, with a focus on safe, elite performance and community engagement as we turn our attention to Paris 2024,” Perkins said.

Perkins said Baumann leaves the organisation with both the gratitude and support of the Board.

“We’re sad to see Alex go. This is a great loss for our sport, but we understand his reasons for leaving and thank him for everything he has done at Swimming Australia. We understand health is more important than anything else. We wish him and his family all the best for the future,” Perkins said.

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