NSW Institute of Sport Embarks on Next Chapter

Charles Turner has led one of the world’s most successful sporting Institute’s since becoming Chief Executive of the NSW Institute of Sport in 2003.

Regarded as Australia’s best ever water polo player, Turner competed at three Olympic Games (1976, 1980, 1984) as part of the men’s water polo team and finished his career with over 500 international caps.

He then went on to coaching as the national men’s water polo coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, leading the Australian team from 1989 – 1996 securing Australia’s best ever Olympic performance, fifth place, at the Barcelona Games in 1992. Turner was also head coach of the 1993 World Cup team where Australia finished third and earned Australia’s first medal of any kind at a major international tournament.

After over 13 years at the helm at the NSWIS Turner announced his intention to step down on Wednesday 12th October 2016. Addressing NSWIS staff and coaches Turner reflected on his time at NSWIS.

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to lead the NSWIS and I feel that I have contributed to its great success, however after 18 years at the NSWIS I feel that now is an appropriate time to step down as CEO”.

“I am proud of what we have collectively achieved and I would like to thank all of the staff and coaches who have supported me during my time at the NSWIS. I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support I have received from the NSWIS Board particularly former Chairman Phil Coles AM and long term Deputy Chairman Alan Jones AO. It has been a privilege to work with so many talented staff, coaches and athletes”

“We have supported hundreds of athletes to reach their full potential and have developed many world leading programs and technology in the field of elite sport”

“I hope that the Institute’s focus remains about what is in the best interests of Australian athletes as this is imperative in order for Australian athletes to become world’s best”.

During Turner’s time as NSWIS CEO he has been instrumental in the Institute’s ongoing tradition of international sporting success. During this time 74 athletes have contributed to 46 medal winning performances at the Olympic Games, in addition to the 72 athletes that have contributed to 125 medal winning performances at the Paralympic Games – a remarkable achievement,

One of the highlights of Turner’s time at the NSWIS was Matthew Mitcham’s gold medal performance at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Two years prior to the Games Matthew had retired from the sport but with the support of coach Chava Sobrino and the team at the NSWIS, he returned to the platform and produced the highest scoring dive in Olympic history to win gold.

NSWIS Chairman Gary Flowers has praised Turner for his time as CEO. “Throughout his time as CEO Charles has had a significant impact on elite sport in Australia and our competitiveness at international competition”

“His leadership has enabled the NSWIS to set a benchmark for performance at the highest international standard”.

Meanwhile Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres thanked Mr Turner for his 18-years service to the NSWIS.

“Charles’ dedication and unwavering commitment to enhancing athlete’s performance during his time at NSWIS has set a new standard for high performance management of sport in Australia,” Ayres said.

“I thank Charles for his service as a committed public servant over the past 18 years and wish him great success in his future endeavours.“

The Institute will now look to the future and it is expected that the recruitment process for the CEO position will be finalised prior to the end of 2016.

Until such time Turner will remain as CEO and, following the new CEO’s appointment, a transition will be determined by the NSWIS Board.