Sailing Federation Chief Resigns Amid Rio 2016 Troubles

(ATR) The International Sailing Federation denies that CEO Peter Sowrey’s resignation is linked to the ongoing pollution crisis in Rio 2016 Olympic waters.

Sowrey quit after just five months in the role and less than 48 hours after new tests commissioned by the Associated Press showed dangerous levels of viruses in Olympic sailing courses outside of Guanabara Bay.

The sewage-infested water in the bay, venue for Olympic sailing, has triggered major concerns. But sailing’s governing body has decided not to test for viruses because of a lack of international standards.

An ISAF spokeswoman shed little light on Sowrey’s departure, dismissing the suggestion that the resignation was associated with sailing’s problems in Rio.

"The decision that Peter would pursue other challenges was mutually agreed between Peter and the executive," she told Around the Rings.

"In terms of replacing Peter, there are no current plans at this short notice. The division heads will continue to drive the business, with the support of the executive committee which has been done in the past."

Written by Mark Bisson

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