Chef de Mission Change for Canada Ahead of Rio

(ATR) TheCanadian Olympic Committee names a new chef de mission just 116 daysuntil Rio 2016 opens.

Jean-Luc Brassard, a Lillehammer 1994 freestyle gold medalist, is out. Cyclist Curt Harnett, Canada’s chef de mission at Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, is in.

Brassard went public earlier this year with criticism of Canadian Olympic Committee management and spending. In a statement issued April 11, Brassard cited "professional obligations and other responsibilities."

"After much reflection, I have come to the difficult decision, and in the best interest of Team Canada, to step down as chef de mission," according to Brassard’s statement. "I arrived at the conclusion that I could not help the athletes to the extent that I would like."

Brassard was Canada’s assistant chef de mission at Sochi 2014.

The resignation is the latest in a domino effect since last October’s resignation of president Marcel Aubut over sexual harassment allegations. A January-released internal review found the COC had failed its staff by not adequately protecting them from workplace harassment and bullying or investigating allegations of incidents when they were made. Three people were fired, including chief sport officer Caroline Assalian.

In a February Radio-Canada interview, Brassard hinted he "might have to distance myself."

"During the last four years, red lights were lit on a number of occasions, and intentionally or not, they were ignored," Brassard told CBC’s French service. "I want to know why. We're not talking about budgetary mistakes or financial issues, we're talking about human feelings."

Brassard also slammed the COC for the lavish spending on its new headquarters in Montreal, including $3 million for a boardroom. He said it was "difficult to accept" because "most athletes are really living through difficult financial times."

Canada’s Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games chef de mission Isabelle Charest joins Beijing 2008 wrestling gold medalist Carol Huynh as Harnett’s assistant chefs de mission.

Brassard called COC president Tricia Smith "a woman of integrity," while Smith called Brassard "a great Olympian" who has supported her new direction at the COC since succeeding Aubut.

"Sometimes to get to the finish, it is a relay, not an individual race, and he has run his leg well," said Smith’s statement. "I respect his decision to now pass the baton into the hands of those who will take us to the finish line."

Written by Bob Mackin

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