Swim Ireland reacts to BBC Panorama investigation into HP director Jon Rudd
Swim Ireland have issued a statement regarding the allegations made against Jon Rudd, the body's National Performance Director, that will be broadcast by BBC Panorama tonight.
The investigative programme will reveal claims that Rudd - who was in place for Swim Ireland's three medal success at the Paris Olympics achieved by Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry - presided over a bullying and toxic training regime while head coach of Plymouth Leander, one of England's top clubs.
He was with the club for 28 years and was head coach from 1989 to 2017, when he joined Swim Ireland.
London 2012 gold medallist Rūta Meilutytė said she was left "broken" by her experience, accusing the Yorkshireman of putting a focus on weighing and swimmers' diets. She also outlines her own issues with an eating disorder and depression.
The programme also highlights allegations of bullying and verbal abuse during Rudd's long association with the club that were not acted upon by Swim England.
According to the BBC, a confidential 2012 investigation that recommended Rudd should be suspended for four months was not acted upon. Swim England's new CEO Andy Salmon has apologised to the swimmers affected.
Swim Ireland announced on May 6 that Rudd was stepping down from his role in June to take on a new position as Saudi Arabia's new High Performance Director for swimming.
The statement read: 'In September 2023, Swim England advised Swim Ireland of an independent review of a 2012 report concerning Plymouth Leander Swimming Club where Jon Rudd was Head Coach.
"Upon Swim Ireland requesting further details, Swim England issued the following correspondence: 'that specific case was more for information and records only, rather than any need for specific action on your (Swim Ireland's) end'.
"And further; 'case files don't get shared unless there is specific/threat which justifies it'.
"Swim Ireland never received the independent review or the original report from Swim England and have heard nothing further from them on the matter.
"Despite Swim England indicating that no action was required by Swim Ireland, Swim Ireland conducted its own internal assessment led by our Head of Safeguarding. Jon fully cooperated with this process.
"There has been no suggestion or indication of welfare issues such as those mentioned in the report, during Jon's tenure with Swim Ireland.
"Furthermore, towards the end of 2022, a thorough independent Sport Ireland Culture Review was completed with our Performance Department that involved staff, coaches and included meetings with athletes. This Culture Review raised no concerns.
"Jon resigned his role with Swim Ireland to take up a position of Performance Director at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee."
Announcing earlier this month that Rudd was departing the role, Swim Ireland confirmed that he will be replaced on an interim basis by Andrew Reid, the body's current Head of Performance Pathways and Operations.
Rudd gave his reaction to leaving at the time. 'There is no doubt in my mind that Swim Ireland is a truly great governing body, one that is totally committed to performance aquatics via a highly supportive Board and CEO and having significant positive impacts on and for the people on the island year on year.," he said.
"The position in Saudi Arabia is one that I have been discussing with them over recent months, and they have a huge ambition to develop a whole host of Olympic and Paralympic sports in the nation, with swimming being a key part of this equation.
'I have very much enjoyed my time in Ireland, and it quickly became home, providing me with an opportunity to work with a wonderful group of staff, athletes, and coaches throughout this time.
"I will certainly miss the people and the role, but it is time for something fresh, and the role in Saudi Arabia very much presents this.'
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