Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin has quit just four months before the Tokyo Olympics, after a review into the sport's "toxic culture".
Gaudoin resigned in advance of the release of an independent report, undertaken after dozens of past and present players came forward with troubling accounts of their experiences in the sport; including body-shaming, bullying and intimidation.
Some players developed eating disorders, self-harmed and quit the sport. Three Hockeyroos co-captains quit last year amid allegations of bullying.
Gaudoin's exit joined that of high performance director Toni Cumpston, assistant coach Steph Andrews and some staff and directors. The long-awaited public release of the report may spark further resignations.
"In light of the release of the findings and recommendations from the independent review that has been undertaken, Paul informed Hockey Australia that he has decided to stand down from the role," Hockey Australia chief executive Matt Favier said.
"The past 12 months have been a difficult and taxing time for everyone involved in the High Performance program and especially the coaching staff.
"They have had to navigate the uncertainty of COVID while being an assuring and supportive presence for players, which Paul has done.
"He has conducted himself with integrity, devotion and commitment to the cause and done his utmost to improve the athletes, both as hockey players and as people."
Gaudoin is a former Kookaburras captain and won two Olympic medals as a player. He became Hockeyroos head coach after a poor Rio 2016 Olympic campaign, which was followed by former coach Adam Commens being sacked for misconduct.
Assistant coach Katie Allen will act as interim head coach until a replacement for Gaudoin is found.
"I have spent more than half my life involved with the high performance program as a player for the Kookaburras and as a coach for both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras," Gaudoin said.
"Whilst I am disappointed to not see out the Olympic program to Tokyo, I am proud to have helped get the Hockeyroos to be ranked second in the world."
Hockey Australia president Mel Woosnam said that Gaudoin had always acted in the best interests of the team and the players.
"He has taken this team from No.6 in the world after the Rio Olympics to No.2 at the end of 2019 and this should be commended," Woosnam said.
"Paul's technical and tactical knowledge of the game is second-to-none and he has always conducted himself professionally and in the best interests of the program and the athletes."
The current upheaval is in drastic contrast to the glory days of the Hockeyroos, an iconic Australian national team that has won three Olympic gold medals.
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