October 22 - A Briton who has had a sex-change operation has been appointed by Triathlon South Africa (TSA) as the high performance manager to oversee preparations for the London 2012 Olympics, it was announced today.

Emma Swanwick, a graduate of Bedford College of PE and Sheffield University, originally forged her reputation as Kim Swanick in swimming, where he worked a number of world-class competitors, including Britain's Zoe Baker, who between them set seven world records.

Swanwick, who previously worked with Socttish Swimming and the University of Bath, had the operation to change her sex within the last year.

Her main role with TSA will be to help provide managerial, administrative and logistical support for South Africa's elite triathletes, who have been set the target of winning at least one medal at London 2012.

Swanwick, who will officially begin her new role on November 1, will also assist in improving the standard of coaching in South Africa by conducting coaching courses and presenting lectures, seminars and workshops, thereby transferring coaching skills and broadening the base of coaches.

Jan Sterk, the secretary of TSA, said: "TSA welcomes Emma Swanwick and we have faith in her ability to manage the High Performance Programme, improve the standard of coaching in South Africa and to lay the foundation for performance excellence by our junior athletes to perform on the international scene, particularly at the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020."