Armin Harder has resigned as the high performance director of the Swiss Curling Association ©European Curling

Armin Harder, the high performance director of the Swiss Curling Association (SCA), has announced his resignation after eight years with the organisation. 

Under Harder, Switzerland have won a total of 25 medals since 2010, including 14 gold, three silver and eight bronze.

They have been won in a variety of events, including the Winter Youth Olympic Games, the Women's World Championships and the World Mixed Doubles Championships.

Part of his success resulted from introducing a new selection system and and overhauling Switzerland's junior programme. 

“I have enjoyed serving the interests of Swiss Curling and I know I am leaving with the organisation in excellent shape,” said Harder.

"The future of Swiss curling is as bright as the present.”

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The Swiss women's team are currently ranked number one in the world ©Getty Images

Currently, Switzerland's women are ranked number one in the world, only the second time time a country other than Canada has held this position. 

Earlier this year in Swift Current in Canada, Switzerland won the World Championship for a third year in a row, beating Japan 9-6 in the final. 

“Armin had a clear vision when he started and six years later we are definitely on a very good path,” said Andreas Schwaller, head coach for Swiss Curling and an 2002 Olympic bronze medallist.

“With our system we gave athletes transparency and encouraged them to tour, so they gained experience and became stronger.

"When Mirjam Ott won the worlds in 2012 and Sven Michel won the 2013 Euros, it was a big message to all Swiss teams, and it made them believe.

“It’s hard to prove, but SCA would never have reached the latest successes without Armin.

"He will be missed and I wish him nothing but the best.”