Triathlon Australia boss Miles Stewart quits
Just days after the AIS completed the first phase of a review into triathlon’s high-performance programs, the sport’s CEO has confirmed he will exit the job in May.
Another Australian Olympic sport is looking for a new leader after Miles Stewart announced he’s quitting as chief executive of Triathlon Australia (TA).
Stewart has been in the job since late 2015 but said he was stepping down in May to return to the property sector, though he will remain as an executive member of the World Triathlon Board.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading the sport,” he said.
TA president Michelle Cooper said chief operating officer Tim Harradine would act as interim CEO until a permanent successor is chosen.
Triathlon joins a growing list of Australian Olympics sports to have changed leaders in recent times, including gymnastics, hockey and swimming.
The announcement of Stewart’s exit comes just days after the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) announced it had completed the first phase of its review into the sport’s high-performance programs.
The AIS received more than 100 submissions to its confidential survey and conducted 22 one-on-one interviews. The AIS said it is about to enter the next phase, which will be overseen by an independent steering group.
One of TA’s most vocal critics, former world champion Emma Carney, has been calling for a complete overhaul and change of leadership at TA after the team’s disappointing performances in recent years, particularly Tokyo.
Australia was the only country in the world to earn the maximum six quota spots for the Tokyo Olympics but failed to win a single medal, raising questions about the selection policy.
Three Australian coaches independently told News Corp that TA fixed the results of lead-up races before the Games to qualify more Aussies instead of just picking the best athletes.
TA has strongly refuted claims it broke any rules, saying it simply acted in the best interests of athletes by trying to get as many Aussies as possible to the Games.
In agreeing to a joint review with the AIS, the TA board had promised to support the findings as well as vowing to implement a new operating model in the coming months.
“Triathlon Australia remains committed to a robust review, ensuring the outcomes provide long-term solutions for the sport,” Cooper said.
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