Kevin Neil Quits as Swimming Australia CEO

The team failed to win an individual gold medal despite high expectation for the likes of world 100m freestyle champion James Magnussen. That disappointment came after Australia won six swimming gold medals in Beijing 2008 and seven in Athens 2004.

Neil has accepted full responsibility. “At the end of the day, I’m the CEO of the organisation and that’s where the buck stops,” he said recently.

Last night Neil was at farewell drinks with his staff.

“In the end I’d just had enough,” he said.

“When you stop enjoying the job, it’s time to go. I have witnessed great changes and I am proud to have played a role in this development and the enhancement of the sport’s revenue base.

“Following the below-expected results in London, swimming is now undertaking various reviews to set the new course for the future and it is therefore appropriate to step aside to allow the sport to progress to its next exciting phase.”

SA president Nettlefold said Neil’s exit was a “mutually agreed departure” but it’s understood he was told a week ago his job was in danger.

Despite his decision to quit Neil is expected to tender evidence to the review into the team performance.

Despite the drama engulfing the sport, Nettlefold was full of praise for Neil’s impact on SA.

“Under Kevin’s leadership, Swimming Australia increased its revenue by 40 per cent and instigated several new developments,” he said.

“Kevin was also instrumental in negotiating a new broadcast deal with Network Ten, the implementation of a range of important initiatives targeted at growing the sport at a community level, and the development of an aquatic facilities strategy.”