The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) revealed that Frechette requested to step down from the position because of a conflict with other interests.

Bernier was the country's Chef de Mission at the Beijing Games in 2008 and the assistant at the Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006. 

At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, she became the first female athlete from Quebec to win gold in the three-metre springboard diving event.

There were details behind explaining the reason behind the decision of Frechette, a former synchronised swimmer who won an Olympic gold medal at Barcelona in 1992, to resign.

She claimed she was too busy to devote the time necessary to preparing for London 2012. 

"When I became assistant Chef last year, writing my book, my speaking engagements and synchronised swimming club responsibilities all seemed manageable," the 41-year-old from Montreal said.

"Unfortunately, I have come to the difficult decision, I can no longer do it all.

"My entire career has been dedicated to sport and supporting athletes.

"It is with a heavy heart that I am stepping down."

Bernier, 47, will now work alongside Canada's Chef de Mission Mark Tewksbury.

"I am truly honoured the COC selected me for this important role to help our athletes," said Bernier.

"Over the upcoming months, I will bring my Beijing and Torino experience and provide optimum support for our coaches and our athletes competing in London." 

After her sporting career, Bernier earned a degree in business administration and recently obtained a Masters degree in Management.

She also became a broadcast commentator and host of various television and radio shows, including the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988, in Barcelona in 1992, in Lillehammer in 1994, in Sydney in 2000 and in Athens in 2004.

She was also part of the Quebec morning show "Salut Bonjour" for 15 years.

"As an Olympic gold medalist, a Chef and Assistant Chef de Mission, and broadcaster, Sylvie Bernier is the right choice in this key role to help our team succeed," said COC President Marcel Aubut.

"She has an unwavering passion for high-performance sport in Canada and her expertise will be immeasurable as we continue to build a culture of summer Olympic excellence en route to London." 

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