John Coates keeps AOC top job
There will be no changing of the guard within the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), after long-time President John Coates retained his position.
He defeated challenger Danni Roche 58 votes to 35, in an election held during the body’s annual general meeting in Sydney on Saturday.
Coates, 66, has been at the helm since 1990, and will also hold on to his role as Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee as a result of winning the vote.
Ms Roche, a gold medal winning Hockeyroo, was humble in defeat, taking to Twitter to congratulate Coates.
Congratulations to John Coates on his re-election as AOC President. I wish the entire @AUSOlympicTeam every success in the future #AOCvotes
— Danni Roche OAM (@danniroche1) May 6, 2017
The bitter election campaign has included claims of widespread bullying within the AOC.
John Coates wins 58-35 @AUSOlympicTeam presidential vote v @danniroche1 @7NewsSydney 5 & 6PM pic.twitter.com/hqL7X9IUmO
— Jim Wilson (@JimWilsonTV) May 6, 2017
