Kate McLoughlin Resigns as Australia’s Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014

The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) have lost their Chef de Mission for the the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympic Games.

Kate McLoughlin was set to be Australia’s first female Chef de Mission to an Olympics or Paralympics when she was appointed in March, but announced she was stepping down on Friday due to family commitments.

McLoughlin says her expected second child and a family illness made it impractical to continue.

“I’m very proud to have been named as Chef de Mission of the Australian team, but my personal circumstances have changed since my appointment at the start of the year, which is why I have notified my APC colleagues and the Australian team of my intention to stand down,” she said in a statement.

McLoughlin says the decision is best for her family and team ahead of the Games.

APC chief executive Jason Hellwig said the organisation understood and respected the difficult decision.

“She will leave the role with the team in a very strong position, and when the new Chef de Mission takes on the duty, they will do so knowing that everything is in very good shape,” he said.

McLoughlin’s replacement is expected to be named next week.

The 2014 Winter Paralympic Games will be held in Sochi, Russia in March.