Swimming Australia sent out a press release today stating that they are standing by President Chris Fydler OAM as he denies and defends himself against allegations made by the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU).
Soon after the release, reports began coming out of Australia that Fydler is facing possible suspension due to circumstances surrounding his decision to request a revote on the renomination of Matt Dunn to World Aquatics’ executive board by Swimming Australia.
Dunn currently serves as the Vice President of World Aquatics, the President of Oceania Aquatics, and as a board member of Swimming Australia. Dunn was also Fydler’s Olympic teammate at three different Games: 1992, 1996, and 2000.
Swimming Australia’s press release stated that the board “recently sought clarity on World Aquatics’ board nomination process in response to a correspondence issued by Oceania Aquatics. This led the swimming Australia Board to not nominate a candidate for the World Aquatics Bord. It is this same process which is under review, and which is the subject of AQIU’s allegations.”
Fydler’s revote request was in vain because Dunn had already received support from other Oceanic Nations, and he will be eligible for reelection, which will be voted on at the World Championships later this month.
According to the Telegraph “it is considered a foregone conclusion that Dunn will secure another four-year term on the World Aquatic executive board,”
They also mentioned that he is one of the favorites to become the next AQUA president when Husain Al Musallam steps down before the 2032 Games, which are in Australia.
The Telegraph also reports that Fydler’s “opposition” was “referred to an independent investigatory body, that spoke to several people before charging him with multiple code violations that are now being looked at. If found to have breached the rules, he could face a reprimand or even a suspension.”
Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse stated in the SA press release that “Given the pending hearing, we cannot comment any further but can confirm that swimming Australia fully supports Chris (Fydler).”
Fydler, a lawyer, was appointed president just over a month ago, after he served as interim chair for a few months.
Woodhouse said about his role as President that “Chris’s leadership these past six months has been exceptional and he has been front and centre of our green and gold strategic review.”
“We now turn our attention to the World Swimming Championships, the World Para Swimming Championships, World Junior Championships and maintaining our momentum as the most successful Olympic and Paralympic sport.”
SA ended the press release stating “No further comment will be made.”
It seems there is nothing but in-fighting in AUS’ swimming governance. Wasn’t Tracy Caulkins shown the door at one point as President also? Has anyone in AUS ever done anything to take actions to protect female swimmers after an independent commisssion issued a report on abuses, with 45 recommendations? Did they really institute policies to re-certify their coaches like they indicated they would? These would seem to be bigger issues than who serves on the WA Board.
They have done nothing to protect women and girls
Is Matt Dunn the father of Lukas Dunn?
Yes I think so.
You should ask Megan Nay or Giann Rooney. They mention it 100 times in commentary every time the kid races.
I notice Matt Dunne’s name is mentioned a lot every time Australia has an issue with governance and with threats of the body being suspended etc is Matt Dunn involved in some power games or something behind the scenes
Team mate versus team mate. Interesting. I remember clearly cheering for them both for years.
There was some unrest when Dunn didn’t speak up for the athletes when swimmers in the ISL were threatened with being banned by FINA (now World Aquatics).
Also they both have kids who swim too.
It appears Matt Dunn wants to get as high up the food chain as possible under any circumstances
Yea and he doesn’t go in to fight battles on behalf of Oceania either. More than happy to suck up to the bigwigs and forget about who he represents