Mike Tancred, the Australian Olympic Committee’s long-time media director, has admitted using threatening behaviour towards the organisation’s former chief executive Fiona De Jong and issued a public apology to her.
Tancred, who stepped down from his role with the AOC, was investigated by an independent committee after complaints of bullying were made by de Jong last year.
The committee, comprising three former judges, last month ruled Tancred’s behaviour did not amount to bullying because it was not repetitive, but did constitute disreputable conduct.
Following the determination, Tancred had offered to apologise publicly. On Tuesday he issued a written statement, apologising for his “hurtful” and “inappropriate” conduct.
“In December last year, I rang Fiona de Jong about an internal matter at the AOC,” Tancred said. “During the course of our conversation, I spoke to Ms de Jong in an intimidating manner, and made threats to damage her and her reputation by publishing allegations about her.
“I acknowledge that my conduct was hurtful, inappropriate and inconsistent with the values of the AOC. I also accept that I caused Ms de Jong considerable distress.
“I wish to record that I have made an unqualified apology to Ms de Jong for my conduct and its impact upon her.”
Tancred temporarily relinquished his role with the AOC in April when the allegations came to light and an investigation into his behaviour was launched. He remains stood down as the committee continues its investigations into separate complaints made by other people against him.
The affair threatened to derail the campaign to re-elect AOC president John Coates, who was staunchly backed by Tancred during a bitter six-week campaign. Coates saw off challenger Danni Roche to retain his position at a vote in early May.
