SWIMMING CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE NUGENT’S FONT OF KNOWLEDGE SAYS ASCTA BOSS

SWIMMING, 21 March, 2013: President of the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) Ron McKeon today described outgoing National Head Swimming Coach Leigh Nugent as “a man of great integrity with a font of knowledge who swimming cannot afford to lose” as Australia plans its Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games campaigns in 2014, 2016 and beyond.

 “Leigh is a man of enormous stature in the coaching world who commands the respect of coaches and athletes alike whenever he walks onto any pool deck,” said McKeon in a glowing tribute to the man who has dedicated a lifetime to the sport.
 
“The Australian Swimming Coaches And Teachers Association (ASCTA) was as appalled as anyone to read the headlines that Leigh had been sacked from his role as our National Head Coach.

“Swimming would not stand for that – it is not something that we as a family would ever orchestrate.
 
“If anyone deserves a noble exit from such a high profile and high pressure role as our National Head Coach it’s Leigh Nugent and we as a sport have to ensure that he is never lost to swimming.”
 
Nugent yesterday chose to stand aside from his role as National Head Coach following the London Olympics but ASCTA remains rock solid in its support of one of swimming’s most respected coaches.
 
“ASCTA, as a major stakeholder in Swimming in this country has been in regular contact with Swimming Australia and Leigh, who is still giving his heart and soul to the sport and someone who we support to the hilt,” McKeon said.
 
“He should be remembered as a man who has guided so many of our young swimmers onto the Olympic podium and our team to some of their greatest ever performances.
 
“What he did to put together the biggest ever National Camp on the Gold Coast in January this year is testament to his planning and beliefs in the future of the Australian Swimming Team.
 
“Up until he went on leave Leigh was part of the Australian High Performance Team that presented Swimming Australia’s “Winning Edge” presentation to the Australian Sports Commission.
 
“There were some people who thought he went missing – he did not go missing – he was putting the gloss on the program that we are confident will return Australia to the winners list over the next eight years.
 
“We know the amount of time he put into that submission and his ability to present that document to the ASC to ensure that Swimming receives the best possible support from the Federal Government as we mount our Olympic campaign for Rio.”
 
McKeon and the ASCTA Board have been aware of the stress and the strain of the events of the last six months has had on Nugent.
 
“Leigh’s decision to step aside as National Head Coach would not have been one he took lightly. There would have been many sleepless nights and self analysis taken,” McKeon said.
 
“He is not a quitter, but a man under siege and under enormous pressure since London.
 
“It is important for everyone in the swimming community and in sport and the Olympic movement to understand his role – one that has seen him devote his life to the sport – for the coaches and for the athletes.
 
“He has gone into battle for his coaches and supported them and their programs because he believes in them as we believe in him.
 
“One thing is sure and certain, there is no way anyone can question Leigh Nugent’s integrity - that is beyond reproach.
 
“He has had a long and distinguished career in coaching from Club, State and National level and he will always be held in the highest regard in the Australian coaching ranks.

“We as an organisation support Leigh Nugent 100 percent in any role that he is appointed to in the future and it may well be one that he has so often played in the development of our young coaches and athletes as they chase their dreams.
 
“He has already played an important role in his positions in a life time of dedication to the sport as Head Coach at Nunawading Swim Club and his position as National Youth Coach and our National Head Coach for the 2004 and 2012 Olympics and as a mentor coach to the young athletes on the 2008 Olympic team.
 
“He will always remain as a man who is held in the highest esteem in the world of Swimming in Australia and around the world.”