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SWEETENHAM
STANDS DOWN AS SWIMMING NPD
British Swimming has announced that Bill Sweetenham has stood
down as National Performance Director for British Swimming.
In December 2006 Bill wrote to British Swimming Chief Executive
David Sparkes stating his intention not to renew his contract
after the Beijing Olympics (2008).
In his letter Bill asked that, due to personal reasons, British
Swimming consider releasing him from his contract at an earlier
date to coincide with either the conclusion of the World Championships
(March 2007) or the summer meets (August 2007).
In consultation with Bill, it was agreed that he should step
down at this time.
Commenting on Bill's decision, Sparkes said: "Bill leaves
British Swimming with our best wishes for his future. We asked
him to join British Swimming following the Sydney Olympics
in 2000 when our records were at a low ebb.
"Since then his whole approach to international competitive
swimming has revitalized the fortunes of the national squad
and had exactly the effect and impact that we hoped it would
across the sport in the UK.
"Under Bill's guidance the British Swimming squad has
achieved some of its best ever results with record hauls of
medals from World Championships and Commonwealth Games."
Sparkes went on to say: "It was always Bill's intention
to leave after Beijing and, knowing that, we have already
made plans and started to implement the process to appoint
a successor of the same proven quality.
"The key was to ensure this procedure sought not only
the best candidate but also in a time frame that ensured as
much continuity as possible for our athletes and their coaches
as they prepare for next year's Olympics. This process is
coming to a successful conclusion and we will be making an
announcement shortly on our succession plan."
BILL SWEETENHAM STATEMENT
Bill Sweetenham, following his decision to stand down as
National Performance Director for British Swimming, commented:
"I'd like to thank everybody, in particular swimmers
and coaches, who have supported the role I have had within
British Swimming. My request for release from my contract
was for various reasons that will remain personal to myself.
"The results we've collectively achieved have been quite
outstanding. Best ever results at World Championships, European
Championships and Commonwealth Games are a testament to all
those involved and justified spending the past seven years
away from my home and my family.
"I would also like to thank the media for a largely
positive approach and coverage of the sport through my time
with British Swimming.
"I believe that British Swimming can look forward to
a great future with a tremendously talented group of athletes,
coaches and staff. I wish everyone well for the future."
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