Swim Ireland has announced the departure of Jon Rudd from his role as National Performance Director, marking the end of an era that brought unprecedented success to Irish swimming. After eight years at the helm, Rudd will transition in June to a new international role as High Performance Director (Swimming) for the Saudi Arabia Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Rudd’s tenure, which began in 2017, is widely regarded as a turning point for Irish performance aquatics. Under his leadership, Ireland achieved historic firsts across junior and senior levels—including its first-ever World, Olympic, and European records through standout performances by Daniel Wiffen. His time also saw the country’s first swimming medals at a World Championships and Northern Ireland’s debut podium finishes at the Commonwealth Games.

The crowning achievement came in Paris, where the Irish swimming team brought home three Olympic medals—the nation’s first in the sport since 1996.

Reflecting on his departure, Rudd said, “There is no doubt in my mind that Swim Ireland is a truly great governing body, one that is totally committed to performance aquatics… but it is time for something fresh.” He described his new role in Saudi Arabia as a “huge opportunity” to help shape the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic ambitions.

Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane praised Rudd’s transformative impact. “Jon can be proud of his time at Swim Ireland and has been a fantastic leader for the organisation,” she said. “Irish performance aquatics is in a very strong position, both nationally and internationally.”

Stepping in as Interim National Performance Director will be Andrew Reid, currently Swim Ireland’s Head of Performance Pathways & Operations. A former international swimmer with over a decade of experience in performance leadership, Reid said he was “honoured” to take on the role as the program moves toward major events including Glasgow 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Always one of the most impressive individuals to listen to and to deal with in the High-Performance sector, swimming and Irish sport is a better place for Jon Rudd having been here and we should celebrate that rather than mourn his departure.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The Swim Ireland National Youth and Senior Summer Championships will take place in Dublin from 23rd to 27th July.

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