America’s Cup legend John Bertrand named new Swimming Australia boss

See for instance ABC, The Telegraph, The Australian and Swimming Australia

America’s Cup sailing legend John Bertrand has been named the new president of Swimming Australia (SA), replacing Barclay Nettlefold who stood down in June over accusation of innapropriate behavior.

Bertrand became a national sporting hero when he skippered Australia II to victory in the America’s Cup in 1983, ending 132 years of US supremacy. He also sailed at two Olympic Games’, claiming a bronze medal in 1976 at Montreal.

Confessing his only claim to fame in swimming was helping wife Rasa learn to do freestyle when they were students in Boston, the 66-year-old said he was confident he could bring a lot to the sport as it struggles to rebuild its international results and reputation.

“I am honoured to have been selected to preside over Swimming Australia,” Bertrand said

“I’ve had an association with high performance sport and high performance teams for more than 40 years and this appointment is one of the highlights of my career.

“Swimming has a proud history in this country and a reputation for hard work, humility and success. This tradition needs to continue and be a clear focus for all athletes and coaches as we head towards Rio in 2016.”