Embattled Jono Hall has stepped down as head coach of Triathlon sa国际传媒鈥檚 national training centre in Victoria. He has been here since 2015, arriving highly regarded after leading athletes from his native Australia to Olympic, Commonwealth Games and world championship podiums.
Triathlon sa国际传媒 said Hall鈥檚 resignation is in 鈥渘o manner whatsoever related to the recent Safe Sport claims voiced in the community regarding his alleged breaches of Triathlon sa国际传媒鈥檚 code of conduct and ethics.鈥�
The organization added that while 鈥淗all was found to have contravened certain parts of 颅Triathlon sa国际传媒鈥檚 code of conduct and ethics, following the conclusion of the independent investigation and disciplinary process in relation to his communication style and training accident protocols, all allegations of abuse, harassment and abuse of power were considered to be unfounded by the independent discipline panel appointed to hear the matter.鈥�
Triathlete Matthew Sharpe of Victoria, who represented 颅sa国际传媒 in the recent Tokyo Olympics, left Hall to train with Lance Watson of Victoria, who guided Simon Whitfield to 颅Olympic gold in 2000 at Sydney.
鈥淚 am disappointed the full report from the adjudicator was not released,鈥� said Sharpe.
Hall admits his coaching methods aren鈥檛 appreciated by all athletes.
鈥淢y coaching style has always put the athletes at the centre of all decision making. I have done this with the best of intent and with honest feedback,鈥� Hall said in a statement.
鈥淭his approach has not always been well received. However, I remain an advocate for honesty and transparency and I am proud of the work I have done in sa国际传媒 and grateful for the messages of thanks I have received from athletes and parents over the years.鈥�
sa国际传媒鈥檚 top competitior Tyler Mislawchuk, coached by Hall, had an outstanding World Cup season but cramped up in the recent Tokyo Olympics to place 15th.
鈥淎fter a very challenging year that has been difficult on all of us, coaching virtually while navigating the pandemic, coupled with disappointing results at the Olympic Games, I have determined it is time to step away from coaching in sa国际传媒 and return home to 颅Australia,鈥� said Hall.
It is the latest case in sa国际传媒 where some coaching methods, considered merely 鈥榦ld school鈥� tough and demanding by their adherents, are being questioned by modern athletes.
鈥淎ttitudes have evolved for the better and athletes are less tolerant [of that style] now,鈥� said Sharpe. 鈥淎thletes who are in a good state mentally will perform better. We are making things better for future generations.鈥�
Triathlon sa国际传媒 is granting Hall leeway.
鈥淚t is important for the 颅Canadian triathlon community 鈥� and the sport community at large 鈥� to understand that not all behaviour that falls under what has been termed 鈥榮afe sport鈥� is criminal and warrants the cost of someone鈥檚 career or reputation,鈥� said 颅Triathlon 颅sa国际传媒 president Peter McCrory, in a statement.
鈥淎s in other professional environments, there are many times where coaches 鈥� and all involved in sport, for that matter 鈥� should have the opportunity to address issues, and make corrections to improve. On behalf of the greater triathlon community in sa国际传媒. I want to thank Jono for his passion and commitment to growing our program.鈥�
