Swimming Australia will now have to look for as new CEO on eve of the Commonwealth Games right after Anderson’s appointment as the Collingwood boss.
Anderson is expected to continue holding his current position until the Commonwealth Games trials are over in February. He will then leave a new CEO to take over the post just one month out from the big event.
Anderson took over the Swimming Australia in 2013. He was part of numerous changes and transitions following the disastrous London Olympic swimming campaign.
However, even though the sport’s results weren’t as they expected to be under Anderson’s supervision, Australia was able to take second place, behind the US, in Rio, something that made everyone feel proud.
“It was a great honor to come into swimming at a key time of change in the sport. And also continue to build it up with the support of an engaged and passionate swimming community,” Anderson said.
“One of our key objectives was to make Australia proud of the Dolphins Swim Team and the swimmers, coaches and staff have all contributed to this over my time with them. We know that the job is not done. Although I was not planning to leave at this time, I am confident that we have highly talented staff, coaches and systems in place to deliver future success.”
“We have had some great successes. We moved the team from seventh place to second on the Olympic medal tally was just one of these.”
Hopes for Tokyo 2020
He also claimed that the progress they have made so far, along with the talents they have discovered, can potentially position them in a great place for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Tokyo 2020.
On the other hand, Swimming Australia’s president, John Bertrand, added that Mark Anderson left Swimming Australia in a good and strong condition. He is confident that a new, high-caliber leader will take his position very soon.
“(His) appointment at the Collingwood Football Club … is great accolade for Mark. Recognizing what he has achieved as CEO of Swimming Australia over the last four and a half years,” Bertrand said.
“Although Mark is a loss to Swimming Australia, he leaves our organization in a very strong position.
“We have made so much progress under his leadership. We are in a good place to continue to attract the highest caliber people.”
