Tim O’Brien, USA Swimming’s Developmental Coach of the Year, Officially Banned for Life

Photo Courtesy: Singapore Swimming Federation

USA Swimming has officially added former Nitro Swimming coach Tim O’Brien to USA Swimming’s Banned for Life List today.

He has been banned for violations of two separation versions of Section 304.3.5.

CODE OF CONDUCT (2002-2008) – SECTION 304.3.5

304.3.5 Any sexual contact or advance or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action directed towards an athlete by a coach, official, trainer, or other person who, in the context of swimming, is in a position of authority over that athlete.

CODE OF CONDUCT (2009) – SECTION 304.3.5

304.3.5 Any inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action directed towards a member by any other adult participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs or activities of USA Swimming or its LSCs (whether such adult is a member or not). Any nonconsensual physical sexual conduct, or pattern of unwelcome advances or other sexual harassment in connection with or incidental to a USA Swimming-related activity by any person participating in the affairs or activities of USA Swimming or its LSCs (whether such person is a member or not) directed toward any member or other person participating in the affairs or activities of USA Swimming or its LSCs. (effective September 27, 2008)

Update: The dates of these cited code violations point to the incident happening anywhere between 2002 and 2009, and that it was sexual in nature. Until and unless more specific information is made available, and USA Swimming does not comment on these situations, we are left to speculate on exactly when everything happened.

Swimming World first broke the news yesterday that O’Brien would be added to the list. O’Brien accepted the lifetime ban without a hearing and will not appeal.

O’Brien was named developmental coach of the year by USA Swimming at the annual convention banquet just last October.

Nitro Swimming head coach Mike Koleber confirmed yesterday that O’Brien is no longer with the team.

“I have no details other than what USA Swimming can provide, over an incident that allegedly took place years ago that recently resurfaced,” Koleber told Swimming World. “I know nothing more. He is no longer connected with our program.”

Swimming World has also reached out to USA Swimming for comment, and USA Swimming does not comment on any possible Safe Sport investigation.

O’Brien began coaching at Nitro Swimming when the club officially made its debut in 2007, and the team won numerous national team titles at the very popular Texas Age Group Swimming Championships and was named a Gold Medal Club by USA Swimming in 2015.

The roster of swimmers who have achieved national and international success at Nitro had grown each year under O’Brien.

Elliot McGill, former head coach at Eastern Illinois who has been with Nitro for two years, has been elevated into O’Brien’s position.

“Elliott McGill has stepped into the Lead Coaching role of our National Group, Koleber told Swimming World. “He is an outstanding individual, and he’s been with us for a while now. It is his time to shine!”

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Melvyn Wong

8 years ago

Sarah Steinke

Former Swimmer

8 years ago

If it’s the girl everyone thinks it is, she was 18 in 2008.

Erica

8 years ago

Reply to Former Swimmer

So that means she was 17 in 2007 and he was 40.

Former Swimmer

8 years ago

Reply to Erica

“These code violations point to the incident happening around 2008 and 2009, and that it was sexual in nature.”

Erica

8 years ago

Reply to Erica

Swimming World’s commentary that the violation occurred in 2008-2009 is not rooted in any fact other than creating content for its story. Based on the Codes listed, it’s a safe assumption that the violation occurred in 2009, but there is nothing that would point to when the relationship occurred other than sometime between 2002 and 2008.

Cindy Eward

8 years ago

Reply to Former Swimmer

2002-2008 so starting at 12
Even if she was 17 – not okay.

Former Swimmer

8 years ago

Reply to Cindy Eward

I don’t think that applies to when the incident occurred, but rather when that part of the code of conduct was added, potentially. Why put in the article, “These code violations point to the incident happening around 2008 and 2009, and that it was sexual in nature” if there was an incident (or incidents) that occurred between 2002-2008. Tim didn’t even live in Texas in 2002 – he came down in the summer of 2003.

Former Swimmer

8 years ago

Reply to Cindy Eward

Why put in the article, “These code violations point to the incident happening around 2008 and 2009, and that it was sexual in nature” if there was an incident (or incidents) that occurred between 2002-2008. Tim didn’t even live in Texas in 2002 – he came down in the summer of 2003.

Rules are Rules

8 years ago

Legal age of consent in Texas is 17 but it is still against USA swimming rules. If you are a public educator it is still a felony if they were your students when the act occurred.

Marko Lekovic

8 years ago

Tatjana Ujcic Herceg , jel taj kod vas bio?

Hans Witolla

8 years ago

It doesn’t matter the age of the athletes at the time of the violations. This person ( O’Brien ) was in a position of authority over those athletes and he violated the trust that comes with that position

Slattri

8 years ago

Reply to Hans Witolla

Hans
I agree totally w you. Makes me sick!!