JANUARY 29 - BRITISH SWIMMING announced today that Ian Turner (pictured) is to step down as the sport's head coach to move to New Zealand.

 

It means that in the less than the space of a year the sport has lost its head coach and performance director, Bill Sweetenham.

 

Sweetenham, the controversial Australian who worked closely with Turner, resigned last May and said he planned to stay on until after this year's Beijing Olympics only to leave in September.

 

Turner will stay on in his current post until April 6 before moving to New Zealand to take up a new role.

 

The World Short Course Championships in Manchester are due to start three days after his departure.

 

Of even more concern will be the impact it has on Britain's preparations for Beijing.

 

Turner said: "It's been a difficult decision to make but I've been made an offer that I found too difficult to refuse.

 

"It's a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to a new challenge and a different lifestyle.

 

"Unfortunately, you can't dictate when these moments arise but I know the group of swimmers I've worked with, together with the programme as a whole, are in great hands for the future."

 

British Swimming said national performance director Michael Scott will work closely with key coaches within British Swimming over the coming weeks to provide continuity of development for the swimmers currently within Turner's training programme.

 

Scott said: "I know it's been a very difficult decision for Ian but it's one that I respect.

 

"Together we've looked at how we can minimise the impact felt by the swimmers and that will remain a priority as we move forward.

 

"We will be appointing an interim head coach who will work with the team and myself to ensure a smooth hand over.

 

"It's disappointing to lose someone of Ian's calibre but the team wishes him all the best for the future in his new life."

 

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes said: "Ian has been a fantastic servant to the sport in Britain and has a tremendous record of delivering world class swimmers and international medallists.

 

"He's been an important part of a team that has brought about significant change in British Swimming.

 

"He's made an immense contribution and we're pleased the legacy he leaves behind is a robust one that will be felt for many years to come.

 

"We understand this new role in New Zealand is a terrific lifestyle opportunity for Ian and wish him all the best for the future."

New Zealand's high performance programme director, Clive Rushton, said it was a major coup for swimming in his country and they hoped to persuade Turner to become involved in the national set-up.
 
Rushton said: "He is a magnificent coach with a fantastic history.
 
"Without question he would have won more international medals than the whole of New Zealand combined.
 
"This is a real coup, both for New Zealand and the North Shore Swimming Club, where he will be working.
 
"He is a very, very big fish."