The announcement is a major surprise, coming at a key stage as the nation seeks to recover from a disappointing performance by its swimming squad at the London 2012 Games.

Scott, previously Director of the Australian Institute of Sport before becoming High Performance Director for British Swimming from 2008 to 2012, had been the first key appointment since a review reported a "toxic" culture within the team, requiring a complete overhaul.

Scott was tasked with making Australia the world's number one swimming nation again by 2020, and did seem to be enjoying tentative improvement, with his charges winning 19 gold medals at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

They then won a further 10 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Gold Coast, finishing second on the medals table behind the United States.

There was much Australian swimming success in 2014, including in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images



But less than two years after taking up the post, and 18 months ahead of Rio 2016, he has announced his departure, with a search having already begun to announce his replacement.

In the meantime, head coach Jacco Verhaeren will play a leading role managing the team ahead of the World Aquatics Championships in Kazan from July 22 until August 9.

"In his time at Swimming Australia Michael has led significant change across our sport at the elite level," the body's chief executive Mark Anderson said in a statement, playing down the impact of his departure.

"This has resulted in a clear direction and well developed plans targeted at attaining success in Rio 2016 and beyond.

"In addition to Michael's role we have developed a very strong and professional team that will ensure we stay focused on delivering the plan leading into the Rio Olympics.

"Michael will continue to work with us over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition, we have already commenced the process of finding a replacement and we are developing a target list of potential replacements.

"I am confident that with our team progressing well, the High Performance Director role for Swimming Australia will attract a highly competitive field."

Scott will leave Swimming Australia after April's World Championship selection trials in Sydney, before commencing his new role rowing role in May.

Michael Scott will now be charged with producing sporting and administrative improvements within Rowing Australia ©Getty Images




Like with swimming, Scott will join an organisation looking to make amends for a disappointing London 2012 performance, with the squad winning just three silver and two bronze's in the sport, putting them well adrift of usual rivals Great Britain and New Zealand.

He will have a similar aim to return the squad to the top of the sport.

"I am honoured to take on the role of chief executive as we strive to become the number one rowing nation in the world," he said following his appointment.

"Being number one in the world requires not only gold medal performances at Olympics, Paralympics and World Championships, but development of a vibrant rowing community across Australia that incorporates our state and club partners and showcases what makes rowing a fantastic sport for all ages."

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