BRITISH SWIMMING LAUNCHES ENQUIRY
British Swimming has initiated an independent enquiry following
allegations made by a national newspaper that athletes had
been bullied. This is in line with its procedures in such
cases.
In light of an article in The Times on 23rd August 2005,
which claimed British Swimming National Performance Director
Bill Sweetenham had bullied swimmers, and then a subsequent
contradictory article in The Times the following day, the
governing body is undertaking an investigation.
"The allegations made in The Times are new to us within
British Swimming as I explained to the author of the article
Mathew Syed when asked to comment," said Chief Executive
David Sparkes. "However, in keeping with swimming's policy
of openness, we are undertaking an independent investigation
with a view to determining the facts and any issues we need
to address.
"Having spoken to Mr Sweetenham and ascertained his
version of events, and in accordance with normal procedures,
an independent investigation into these allegations has been
started.
"We hope this investigation will establish the facts
of the matter and nothing else. Prior to the articles in The
Times, British Swimming had no knowledge of the incidents
referred to," said Sparkes.
"Bill Sweetenham has cooperated fully, however, what
is disappointing is that, after making such allegations, The
Times refuses to cooperate with the enquiry at all.
"British Swimming will be looking to learn from any
outcomes of the investigation in order to improve performance
as well as athlete communication," concluded Sparkes.
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