Rob Woodhouse has stepped down as general manager of London Roar after guiding the team through the first three seasons of the International Swimming League.
The Australian, who won bronze in the 400IM at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, announced his decision on Wednesday.
It comes less than a fortnight after the ISL, launched by Konstantin Grigorishin in early 2019, announced the format of Season 4 which will run for almost seven months from June.
On Monday, the league revealed new changes to the athlete status, key being the introduction of two categories of swimmers – namely Professional (PRO) or Semi-Professional (Semi-PRO).
PRO swimmers are required to be available for all Season 4 with the exception of skipping one match during the regular season for any reason.
That rules out anyone on a national team or one with aspirations to be so.
Semi-PRO can miss up to three matches in the regular season, and one match of the playoffs.
Photo Courtesy: London Roar
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Adam Peaty was a notable absentee from Season 3, going on to compete in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ after winning double gold at the Olympics in Tokyo.
In an interview with Swimming World in November 2021, the eight-time world champion revealed he had not been fully paid for the previous season.
He also criticised the non-payment of contractors, an issue that has plagued the ISL from Season 1.
Roar swimmers paid tribute to Woodhouse, among them fellow Australian Kyle Chalmers, who followed up 100 free gold at Rio 2016 with Tokyo silver.
Photo Courtesy: London Roar
Tokyo medley relay medallist Sydney Pickrem echoed Chalmers’ words and Woodhouse’s ‘legend’ status.
Photo Courtesy: London Roar