Swimming blow as Optus pulls plug

SWIMMING Australia has suffered a huge financial blow, losing a major sponsor two years out from the Tokyo Olympics.

Optus has walked away from its deal with the sport just three years into an eightyear agreement with Swimming Australia. Optus has also withdrawn its personal sponsorship of swimmers such as Olympic freestyle champion Kyle Chalmers.

In a letter addressed to Australian swimming and coaches last week Swimming Australia CEO Leigh Russell informed them of Optus’ departure effective from May 30 next year. The departure of Optus is a shock for the sport.

When the telecommunications giant signed on it was initially with a focus on the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting remains Swimming Australia’s most generous sponsor.