British Swimming Names New Chairman
British Swimming has confirmed former Manchester United club director Maurice Watkins as its new chairman, amidst a rebuild following the resignation of performance director Michael Scott and head coach Dennis Pursley after missing their medal target for the London 2012 Games.
Watkins has now been tasked with leading the team forward to the Rio 2016 Games.
At London 2012, British Swimming were aiming to beat the three medals they achieved in the pool in Beijing in 2008, but only managed a silver and two bronzes from Michael Jamieson and Rebecca Adlington respectively, prompting a review as well as the resignations.
Mark Perry, head of development and open water swimming, is currently working as technical leader in a caretaker capacity, while David McNulty is the interim head coach.
Watkins, who is a director of Lancashire County Cricket Club, served on the Manchester United board for 28 years.
Speaking on the appointment, British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes said: ‘He brings a wealth of experience in sport to the board. His leadership will, I am sure, enable the board to be more focused as we take on the lessons from London and prepare for Rio to achieve medal success across the sport.’
