I sat down with SwimSwam Editor-in-Cheif, Braden Keith, to discuss the recent news of Chrissi Rawak withdrawing as USA Swimming’s CEO. Braden gave us a peek behind the curtain as to what he went through in the last 36 hours to break this story and follow leads as it developed.
This started with USA Swimming announcing Friday night that Rawak would not be the new CEO “due to unforeseen personal circumstances”, which evolved as a text message came to light that Rawak sent to her Delaware athletic coworkers explaining that her mother in law had just passed away.
However, as Braden explains, that didn’t seem like the end of the story, and it wasn’t. We learned yesterday that after Rawak had been announced as CEO, there had been a SafeSport complaint filed against her regarding her conduct while coaching at the University of Michigan. Rawak resigned within 24 hours of USA Swimming being notified of the allegation.
- 0:00 Introduction
- 0:43 How the Story Developed
- 7:30 Why Chrissi Rawak Will Not be CEO
- 11:38 How USA Swimming Moves Forward
Mel for CEO!
USA Swimming needs to buy Janet Evans out of her LAOC contract and bring her on as CEO. She’s served on tons of athletes committees from USS to the IOC, been a consultant in a number of different fields, is the current Chief Athlete Officer for the LA28 Games, is a pro at networking and public speaking, and knows what athletes need at all ends as she’s been both a swim mom, and a swimmer all the way up to the highest elite level. She’s tough as nails and doesn’t back down from challenges, is well-loved within the sport domestically and internationally, and her name would command respect. Additionally, she would open doors to other governing bodies as she is… Read more »
She makes too much money and LAOC deal is too cushy.
I brought this up too with some insiders, and they all agreed that it wouldn’t make sense for her.
That LAOC deal is ephemeral and over when the Games are though, and then what? I still think they should make the offer. As much as she loves the Olympic movement, the opportunity to run the NGB of the sport she loves could be tough to resist. And you have to admit, it would be a massive face save for USA Swimming if they did get her.
“Buy her out of the LAOC contract”….I chuckled when I read that. USA Swimming is far from having massive amounts of cash around to consider something like that. The $ issues are real with the organization and a whiff on getting the right person and taking advantage of a home Olympics could set USA Swimming back years and several Olympic cycles
Any nominations for Brent Lang? 88 Olympian and the President and CEO and a board member of Vocera Communications. Also from Michigan. Haven’t checked Safe Sport, yet.
It would be pretty unusual for the CEO of a company that makes $300 million/year+ to want to take this big of a step down in salary.
Whoever takes over has a huge uphill battle to climb, so to take that big of a paycut to walk into such a bad situation….maybe if you have a real itch to do something new.
Brent Lang for the win. Let me know if you are serious. We can make this work.
Vocera was bought by Stryker. Brent could be tanned, rested and ready.
Alex Shackell to IU, just posted to her Insta
Braden’s reference to “incidents” vs “incident” is concerning.
Usually coaches who date their swimmers have no interest in 1. Admitting they did something wrong. 2. seeking rehabilitation. I know about the incident in question. And would not be shocked at many more.
Hey Braden just on a side note, way off topic I have a question. I’m noticing your T-shirt!!? LOL 🤣
I’m from the Philly area. Where exactly did you get that- is that available online for purchase?
I’m just curious if you want to reach out to me privately on my email address attached to the question. Thank you. And thanks also for the video above.
My friend Michelle sells them on Etsy!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dinkadelphia
When, exactly, was the Complaint filed. With whom was it filed ?
According to other reports I’ve read it was filed with safesport after her hiring was announced
^^^
If you or braden want more on this, send me an email. i was there. There is much more to this story.
Lowkey fishy/ ridiculous right? She gets some spotlight and someone from lord knows when decides to complain NOW?
The Clown Show continues at USA Swimming.