In A Major Coup, Tracy Stockwell (Caulkins) Dumped As President From Swimming Australia Board
In a major shake up, Swimming Australia membership stakeholders have voted to dump Tracy Stockwell from the SA board after serving as president for just nine months.
Her exit from the board opened up the presidential seat with former Australian swimmer, Dr. Michelle Gallen, becoming only the third female Swimming Australia president after Evelyn Dill-Macky and Stockwell.
As Tracy Caulkins, the three-time US Olympic medalist from 1984 in Los Angeles became one of America’s most decorated National champions, an International Hall Of Famer. After marrying Australian Olympian and L.A. silver medallist Mark Stockwell, Tracy went on to become one of the most respected sports administrators in Australia – and particularly in Queensland. But she failed to win over the SA membership, leading to her axing from the board and as president. Stockwell was a seven-year member of the board ahead of her presidency.
Three new board members; 1982 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Tim Ford; another former National team swimmer in Iain Melhuish and former Swimming Victoria president Susan Smith – are now on the board that has no room for the incumbent president.
Stockwell had certainly worked closely with the rank and file, remaining in touch with the grass roots of the sport she loves – continuing to liaise with swimmers, coaches, fellow Olympians, major stake holders and the broader swimming community – and highly respected around the world and in the highest corridors of power.
So well thought of, Stockwell was a Federal Government appointment on the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.
In a statement on its website Swimming Australia expressed its gratitude to Stockwell “for her immense contributions as a Director since 2016, and President for the past nine months, particularly her invaluable relationships across international swimming where she is held in the highest regard.”
Gallen comes into the role with extensive leadership across a variety of government organisations, including her position as the Director of Strategic Projects for the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, and has been a member of the Swimming Australia Board since October 2021. She also becomes the third president inside 12 months following Australian swimming legend Kieren Perkins and Stockwell.
Currently serving as Chair of Swimming Australia’s Integrity And Ethics and Constitutional Review Committees, Gallen is a former elite athlete herself and has a PhD in International Sports Law from the Melbourne Law School.
Described as a passionate swimming advocate Gallen said she was humbled to be elected to the role at such an important time for the sport.
“It is an honour to be elected as President of Swimming Australia,” said Gallen, in the statement.
“We are in a very exciting phase of regeneration and growth of our sport as we turn our attention towards Brisbane 2032 and maximise the opportunities for our community across the country.”
“We have a strong vision and strategic plan that we look forward to delivering on for everyone involved in our sport.”
The website post also welcomed its new Swimming Australia board additions.
“Tim Ford is a decorated management consultant, Harvard Business School graduate and Commonwealth Games Silver medallist, and joins the Board (again) with extensive experience as both an athlete and administrator, currently serving as a Director at one of Australia’s great swimming nurseries, Carlile Swimming.
“Iain Melhuish brings a wealth of combined sporting and financial experience, having represented Australia in swimming throughout the late 1990’s before transitioning to a career in corporate finance at the start of the millennium where he has proudly worked for Macquarie for the past 21 years, including his current position as Executive Director, Head of Debt Capital Markets, Australia/New Zealand, Macquarie Capital.
“Susan Smith is an astute leader with extensive Board experience, including as the Deputy Chair of VicSport and a Director and Company Secretary for the Bendigo Highett Community Bank.
“She has intimate knowledge of swimming from her previous seven years on the Board of Swimming Victoria, including time as President, and has a proven track record in corporate governance and strategic management.”
She will be off the 32 Brisbane Olympics shortly
Why?
Wrong side of a “controversial” issue?