By Paula thegoodfight? Gleeson

Bad blood, old enemies, egos, mis-management and infighting ... takes the gold as ’s most shambolic Olympic sport – and caught in the middle of this debacle is one of Australia’s most “decorated” Olympians ... Getty Images

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46 47 48 when one of my athletes came to me and and to me came athletes my of one when came crunch “The first-hand. debacle run.” being was program performance high the how also but structure, voting and membership the with to do mostly things, many in lacking were we organisation, sporting national a “As wrong: went what knows Eggar, Olympics. Beijing the at player asingle have wouldn’t taekwondo Australian like looked it Overnight, (WTF). Federation Taekwondo World the and (AOC) Committee Olympic Australian the with membership its lost and (ASC) Commission Sports Australian the by funding all of stripped been had (TA), Australia body, Taekwondo governing taekwondo’s back: its on was sport the 2007 by –but boom asporting to spark way ideal the to play. up was It to sign youngsters of thousands encouraging taekwondo, of sport F at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games where he the planet missed who hadn’t a gig in 50 years! kind of world record, possibly the only on person indeed it asappeared if he bemight claiming some for Olympic hisCommittee waysfreeloading – once severelyby reprimanded the International when he rolled up to the 2010 Vancouver Games. his and 21st summer winter Olympics consecutive Phil Coleswould attend the chairman, AM, Institute’s seen community”. often by sporting the international issued a press release an marking “not achievement A lore coles’ for weren’t Beijing properly being prepared.” athletes the arisk was there compromised; being were services and facilities key the of anumber that advised “We were watching. was Committee, Olympic Australian it.” about something did finally ASC the and writing writing, ...writing, were we So balances and checks zero were us.’ There helping not money’s your Because why? money, know you your ‘Keep ASC, to the ... ’Isaid team the off but we’re doing, well to how prove them to use We’re going overseas? winning are you that way,medals the by and Oh, you’re performing? though even out, say that they don’tif you,contracts you’relike signing athletes my you’ve got and program, a to run dollars amillion guys these you’re on, giving ‘Hang said, and funding] taxpayer for responsible department government [the Commission Sports to the Iwrote areason. without program funding the off terminated been they’d said The release included a lengthy resume: “Beginning The release included “Beginning aresume: lengthy It was an odd boast to be made on behalf of a man this Inyear, February the NSW of Institute Sport the at Sport of Director Jong, de Fiona the saw coach, aclub Zakkas, Lydia Kate CEO, former Australia’s Taekwondo S H r o spectacular introduction to the to the introduction spectacular a was Olympics the at medal gold courageous us, of most or I H T S T Lauren Burns’ Burns’ Lauren r o Y

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was for legal and practical reasons; they they reasons; practical and legal for was STA of establishment the that claimed OTU The Kotsifas. was secretary-general its and Coles, was president inaugural Its (STA). Australia Taekwondo Sports it called they name; another by association interim body. Oceania the of secretary-general now was –and funding its lost it before program performance TA high the of running the including – Australia in sport the with involved humiliation. public very his –before domain his been once had that circles sporting world powerful the into back ticket his to be looked taekwondo Olympics, Sydney to the lead-up the in scandals those since sport Australian from ostracised Virtually Federation. the of vice-president elected was he 2007, in federation national our as membership provisional given was OTU the after months Just TU. Oceania the of president now was –and Committee Olympic Australian the of member alife is 1982, since member IOC an he’s (see breakout); been history Olympic Australian recent in scandals biggest the of one with associated is name Coles’ Kotsifas. John and Coles Phil Australians, two by ruled effectively Olympics. Beijing the after until to wait have would decision that but TA’s future, about adecision make could AOC the until hands good in was taekwondo if as looked actually it there, For awhile tournaments. international other and Olympics the for events selection to hold order in WTF the by membership provisional granted be body, would governing regional the (OTU), Union Taekwondo Oceania the that agreed was it so Australia, in asport running of business the in not was AOC the –but AOC to the over sport the of reins the handed WTF The Federation. World Taekwondo the and AOC the with membership its it with and pulled and winter and winter summer every attended that time has inmember 1982 and since Phil Coles anbecame IOC team as the chef de mission. of leading the Moscow Olympic 1980 he was bestowed the honour Australian Olympic and team, in assistant general manager of the Munich InOlympics. 1976 he was a coaching and managerial role at the 1972 Mexico Olympic City Games before to switching day. He competed at the 1964 Tokyo and 1968 began an to Olympic that journey continues this competed as a canoe sprint athlete, Phil Coles The OTU’s solution was to set up an an up to set was solution OTU’s The been had lawyer, aMelbourne Kotsifas, is Union Taekwondo Oceania The pear-shaped. went things Then was funding Australia’s Taekwondo So

for the sport of taekwondo in Australia.” in taekwondo of sport the for AOCthe resolvedofhas issue the recognition as time such until events selection to conduct be will STA role for primary “The website: their on confirmed Australia Taekwondo AOC a Sports TA. about make could decision the until organisation interim this supported Australia.” Taekwondo replace to seek not does It OTU. the of committee event-organising aselection merely is [STA] “It that: community taekwondo to the announcement their in stated sporting shows on Earth. Sounds tough, wot? tough, Sounds shows But on sporting Earth. of trips to taking expenses-paid the greatest have us admire him forrecord his uninterrupted Olympic aGames, achievement.” remarkable what what Meanwhile, Taekwondo Australia set about about set Australia Taekwondo Meanwhile, community taekwondo the faith, good In The The NSW ofwould Institute Sport apparently recalling aof events year in out from 1998-99, Burns’ gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Taekwondo has taken plenty of kicks since Lauren of the generous “hospitality” of ofhis the hosts on generous “hospitality” the the revelations that Coles had availed himself the Sydney when Coles Olympics, was dumped Salt scandal ofLake and corruption 1998, City from from all roles Now,in why their organisation. was that again? didn’t numerous ski numerous trips to sample the Salt Lake That That would haveto something do with the appear inappear the press release was any powder. And oh, yes, there was the acceptance of the necklace $10,000 gifted tobygifted his the partner Athens bid

photos by Getty Images particularly AOC president particularly John Coates. and his other Australian Olympic colleagues, leading to a massive falling Coles out between go hequietly: had to be prised out of his positions, was in disgrace – but he did most certainly NOT of the bad PR it would generate. Freeloading Phil the sands of Bondi Beach taken him, foroff fear Torch Relay evenchairman had his legalong running byOlympics allresigning positions. The former pressured into himself distancing from his “home” byguilty the IOC of “serious negligence” and was possession of the Salt Lake bidders. assessments character complete with candid and unflattering often featuring extensive notes on their likes and dislikes, dossier put bytogether Coles on his IOC colleagues team. And – the clincher – of the matter the secret “Sports Taekwondo Australia” and that that and Australia” Taekwondo “Sports name the have would entity renewed a that unhappy were They meeting. this at agree couldn’t TA that was it but mediation, own their conduct and in step to decided also had remember) president, vice- was Coles Phil (of which WTF The there. resolved dispute their have and to CAS go parties two the suggested was Jong. De a diplomatic says manner,” that in to proceed prepared not was STA [because] agree couldn’t parties The zero. to ground back were we so and mediation, first the at pursuing in interested be they’d said they things agreement. this on backflip acomplete did them of one But suggestions. agreed those on working after again to meet together back come would they decided they resolutions; of to anumber agreed and met STA AOC,TA and the So mediation. was suggestion his problem: the at to look McHugh, Justice arbitrator, (CAS) Sport for process.” independent to an went we so recognise, they who in avoice has also that entity one is ASC the and that, determine really should sport The sport. the run should that entity the isn’t who and is who evaluating of business the in not “We are time, that sport. the of control for competing entities two had now AOC The Australia. in taekwondo of federation national the as over to take organisation best that claimed now –STA problem anew was there TA’sreview readmittance, ASC. the from funding and WTF the with membership its that, with and reinstated, membership their to AOC have to the themselves to prove had TA just Now operations. its and sport the in transparency called-for much the was there Suddenly, guarantee. by limited acompany itself made and constitution its reframed It a restructure. It was scandal –an international Coles was found The AOC’s Fiona de Jong says about about says Jong de AOC’s Fiona The to AOC the for time Yet came it when With the mediation now broken down, it it down, broken now mediation the With the of some from away backed “STA Arbitration of aCourt appointed AOC The

photo by Warren Clarke – that that found its way into the it was the the was

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Region World Taekwondo 2005- Federation, Oceania “President with this entry: starting years, of something a incomeback suggests recent spent Yet years purgatory. in sporting his resume that way – his mate of 23 years him. had deserted crisis to crisis at the time. But Coles never saw it viable option for lurching from an organisation of being added indignity sacked, and was the only Committee the Organising and loyalty mateship were a huge thing.” bonding up in the where friendship, lifesaving movement, I like came that. do would anything John that shocked for him to leave came as, “A kick in I the was guts. have had to.” Coles said at the time that Coates’ advice he was pushed by me into when heresigning wouldn’t does TA that view the forms and advice that considers board AOC the so And TA. it’s recognised, be should anyone if that says he and Walker Bret from opinion advisory this get we “So Jong. De explains funding,’” any them to give we’rebut going not fine, that’s ‘Well, saying, ASC the then and horse one backing us in point no “There’s criteria. recognition their with complied best to who as ASC the from advice got also Walker submissions; provided TA and STA Both Walker. Bret QC senior from time this advice, independent sought to join have would TA members be reinstated as a full member. With the the With member. afull as reinstated be to going TA is that resolution: its of WTF the advises AOC the So affiliation. WTF gets it that –presuming AOC the of member a as readmitted be TA should that says and Coles hismaintained position on the IOC, but In Coates’ advice fact, to him to resign from In 2002 Coates said: “To this day he believes So with yet another stalemate, the AOC AOC the stalemate, another yet with So now comply with the AOC Constitution, Constitution, AOC the with comply now saved Coles from the their board. board.

STA to remain ... STA cannot emerge or emerge ... cannot STA to remain STA wanted actually who instructors and clubs athletes, amongst agroundswell was apparent became “What us: tells STA, from Kotsifas, John federation? national the of title the for to competing organisation STA.” of instead TA recognised AOC when changed all – that with unfamiliar Iam reasons –well, reason apparent no for then and beginning, the in AOC’s blessing the had “STA question. followed.” have WTF the that principle legal basic the is ... that So OTU the to be happens ... That authority governing highest the NOC] the from [recognition it of absence the in “Or response? His Kotsifas. rules.” own their of breach in were WTF the believe “I out: points Jong De AOC’s Fiona the As authority.” sport national highest its absence, or, its in (NOC), Committee Olympic National pertinent the from recognition of aletter with together WTF to the documents and applications designated to present required are WTF the of membership the for applying Associations Taekwondo National “The state: Regulations and Rules own WTF’s The government? Australian the and Committee Olympic W WTF.” the of member afull as STA admit Games Games if the solved. dispute isn’t bewho’ll forOlympics every 50 there years, will be athletes know, however, is that unlike Coles, who has been to his mate, former but not it’s that simple. What we do we at are with some awitnessing attempt square-up the sport, afflicting debacle currently taekwondo it now pits him against Coates. And politics federation. of sporting an international Coles, it his represented into comeback the power at representation the World Federation level. For especially their serve interests, when it came to an IOC head member up the Oceania region might spring from? In feltprobably the sport fact, having 2008-present.” Federation, Vicepresent; President World Taekwondo Why did STA go from being an interim interim an being from go STA did Why Sport Inside Sport Inside reinstate TA, WTF then proceeds to proceeds then WTF TA, reinstate It’s tempting totempting It’s speculate that in the great Where did his sudden ininterest taekwondo knowledge that the AOC is going to going is AOC the that knowledge Phil colleagues, particularly out with his prevented C John asked Phil Coles the same same the Coles Phil asked to John question this put oles had a falling advice of the Australian Australian the of advice the against member full its as entity interim an select would hy from attending even from one attending Olympic C oates. the world body body world the O lympic

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survive or be established unless there a piece of text that had appeared on TA’s preferred not to be named) about what are members. The fact that we do have website until it was removed: “[Extract] It they thought of STA’s motto, “Athletes First”. members suggests that we have an element is the taxpayer that funds through grants Response: “Athletes first to pay for the STA’s of athletes, instructors and clubs out there the NSO for each sport that is recognised. airfares and hotel and everything else they that does support what STA does.” The Australian taxpayer does not accept like to do when they are overseas.” How many members, clubs and states is directions from a single person in Korea Another athlete said they were happy he talking about? Kotsifas does not know when determining how government funds that STA had emerged: “As frustrating as it the answer off the top of his head – and are to be spent. This is a decision for the is to be at a stalemate, it is refreshing to be has since declined Inside Sport’s requests Australian authorities and them alone. working with an organisation like TA, now for these figures. In fact, it’s unclear how Whilst President Choue [WTF] may wish that the bad people from STA have gone. It STA engaged with the taekwondo to continue to support a position to assist is refreshing to be working with coaches community to suggest itself as a rival his ally, Mr Coles, that is of no relevance who want the best for you, can provide national body. It’s also curious – and to the Australian bodies that will ultimately proper training programs and can show devastating for the sport – that the athletes determine this dispute.” the way and help you get there.” competing for benchmark events are These words are enough to topple Olympian Ryan Carneli actually sits on currently at an all-time low now that STA is an entire organisation and consign a the athletes’ commission for STA. Was he in charge of these events. Only 20 athletes sport to the status of (compared to an average of 150-200 athletes basketcase in Australia? from other selection events) competed for Was it true that Coles had the World Cup team in June of this year; made a stand at a WTF council STA even had to cancel its NSW Open in meeting and threatened to July due to insufficient numbers, whereas resign as vice-president if TA, a month later, had its most successful anyone voted for recognition NSW Open in the last seven years with 806 of Taekwondo Australia? competitors. Clearly, the taekwondo “Once upon a time I threatened fraternity at large rejects STA. to resign,” Coles confirmed. Why then did the world body support STA Does TA stand any chance and not TA? For the answer to this question, of recognition with the WTF? there was only one to person to ask: Phil “Not to my knowledge,” said Coles, WTF vice-president, Oceania Coles. “WTF had no hesitation

“If one or two individuals disappeared, I’m sure it could all be resolved.” – Phil Coles.

president, and inaugural STA president ... in recommending STA as Many accusations have been circulating their official body because about Coles’ role in supporting STA’s of their behaviour.” membership with the WTF and his sudden interest in all things taekwondo. Given his f STA was an exemplary colourful past, it was not hard to make sporting body and assumptions about him before talking to Taekwondo Australia him, yet this reporter found him a was still in shambles, passionate man who professed to care very Ithey might have a case. It is deeply for the sport and its athletes, and not the case. who gives the impression that he genuinely Sports Taekwondo Australia Phil Coles carried the Torch for feels he has made the right decision. is (wrongly) suggesting to a leg in Sydney, but was forced IS: “Why did STA get such support in its athletes that theirs is the only to resign other positions after his “serious negligence”. infancy from the world governing body?” pathway to representing Coles: “I support STA ... because of the Australia at the London exchange of correspondence and the Olympic Games in 2012. In fact, the athletes concerned that there might not be an accusations and the defamation that has at the moment have no pathway to the Australian team in London 2012? been carried out, obviously the athletes Olympics. If they want to go to international “No, I’m not concerned. There’ll be a team of TA I don’t have a problem with, and I benchmark events, they can only do so for the 2012 Olympics. As STA is now the don’t have a problem with some of the through the sanctioning of STA, but there is WTF-recognised member, STA has the right officials of TA. If one or two individuals no funding; not only would they have to fund to nominate athletes to the AOC and it is up [from TA] disappeared, I’m sure it could themselves, but also the STA support staff. to the AOC to approve the athletes. I don’t all be resolved.” Presently, if an athlete wins at a selection believe they will reject the athletes after It was surprising to hear that Coles’ sole tournament, they are paying anywhere STA’s Olympic selection process, as STA is reason for choosing STA was because he between $4000 and $6000 for the privilege. the ONLY recognised national body of the had issues with one or two individuals on As STA has not provided any financial OTU and WTF.” the TA board. IS: “Can the WTF properly records since they became incorporated in John Kotsifas agrees there’s no concern judge an entire organisation based on the 2008, it is unclear where the entry fee and for the 2012 Olympics: “Athletes will be behaviour of a few individuals?” membership money is going and if any of going to the Olympics. Of course they Coles: “I think you are right there. I think that money is finding its way back to the will be. The Olympic selection process Getty Images the attacks are coming from top officials.” athletes. Inside Sport’s request to see the from STA’s point of view is starting next by Inside Sport was curious about these financial records of STA was not answered. month ... They will attend the world

personal attacks. Coles responded by citing Inside Sport asked one elite athlete (who qualification event, which has nothing to } photo

50 photo by Getty Images sports in Australia to be backdoor-entering backdoor-entering to be Australia in sports for precedent agood sets it think don’t ... I proposing is STA that arrangement the under athletes those help We can’t ... this of all with concern my exactly is “That Jong: De eligible. to be events these at compete must they thinking into athletes misleading events, system point Olympic their publishing already to go.” allowed be won’t athletes Those nominated. be to eligible not are who selection for athletes to nominate seeking are ... They federation national the of members are who athletes accept only ... Ican team Australian an into athlete every of entry the overseeing for responsible personally Iam members. team Olympic Australian the to determine authority the has that Committee Olympic National the is It London? in athletes have to going they are authority what “By Jong: Games.” Olympic to the going athletes no be will there mended, be can thing them.” select then don’t AOC the if surprised be Iwould AOC. the for matter a then is It sport. other any way, like normal a in AOC to the presented be will they and athletes female two and male two select will day, STA the of end the at AOC,and the with to do nothing has which event, regional the attend will They AOC. the with do Could it be any clearer? Yet is STA clearer? any be it Could De Fiona say? AOC the does what So this “Unless disagrees: Coles Yet Phil

struggle are the athletes.

The biggest losers in taekwondo’s power member, yet they’ve not done that.” done not they’ve yet member, their as STA to admit bound are they rules, their under justifiable: not is AOC’s position ... The athletes four about talking are We sports. successful many with nation sporting alarge are we [to because them] difference much make day, wouldn’t it the of end the at but Olympics, the at weren’t we if concerned be would it Obviously ... that done not has AOC the and federation, international the of member the member its –as INTRODUCE –MUST introduce must AOC the says charter IOC ... The have always will and have we which WTF, the with affiliation the need we internationally, in body, Yet world and the recognised. is entity whatever to accept agreed have they sport. the in funding no and Games Olympic to the pathway no is there So orASC. AOC the of recognition the without STA, recognised has body world The to happen. that for body governing world the with membership S Games.” Olympic a at competing into people or bullying Has the AOC failed to follow their own own their to follow failed AOC the Has care. really doesn’t AOC “You the know, to AOC operate the need “We don’t to CAS; to go STA TA and want AOC The throwing his weight around to settle old scores? S national federation, but TA needs TA needs but federation, national taekwondo’s TA as recognise to want ASC the and AOC The o here’s o this is what it all comes down to? Phil

the debacle in a nutshell. anutshell. in debacle the athletes funding. funding. athletes Australian deny is does that All them. for matter a is it reason, whatever for that with comply to want don’t AOC the If ... IOCthe and rules rules IF the under to it entitled are we rules, AOC the under to it entitled are we it, We want time. this at membership AOC have we if not matters day, it the of end “At the Kotsifas. AOC,” John says the with discussions having “We are this! STA. it’s and resolved, is federation national our of issue the mind, their in so; to do refuse and need the see don’t STA, turn AOC to CAS to resolve to resolve toAOC CAS world body now have is is have now body world that they go with the the with go they that requested have they AOC;the with curiously, The issue STA and the the and STA issue The

Sources held little hope this would happen. would this hope little held Sources problem. the to resolve IOC by the Beijing in to ameeting summoned were parties executioner? the is who But doubt. No Australia.” in sentence adeath given been has “Taekwondo says: himself Coles Phil 2012. As in to London heading be won’t certainly –and funding any receive will athletes no intransigent, sides both With athletes. the it.” with kilometres ten run and Taekwondo Sports distinction. important an is which events, international into athletes Australian to enter OTU the for authority the gave WTF The Australia. in federation national another up to set authority given never today? Australia in standing any have TA’s incarnation, in previous program performance high failed the of members original all were who holders, office- its and STA would support, Coles’ STA.” of part any have Ican’t and aside Istepped done, was that when but athletes, the after look could it so formed was STA when floor ground the at in Iwas all. at it in part no Itook But yeah. doing? Coles’ Phil all taekwondo of demise the Is out? falling famous their after Coates John with S adispute. such in independent to be CAS of ability the about aquestion is there background, the in involved is and CAS, of vice-president the is Coates John as that says also Coles ...” STA supporting in decision WTF’s with disagreed has AOC The chosen. be should body governing which about decision a to resolve them for to CAS go ever would body international “No perspective: to.” agreed not have we that membership to have applied has who someone are they amember: not are They STA. with ... aconflict We have don’t Australia in sport the operating to be claiming two are there sitting, are we Where Australia. in sport the governing is that federation national one is there that satisfied to be We need ... ASC the of opinions the ignore can’t we opinion; advisory independent an ignore “We can’t explains: Jong de Fiona charter? Just as this edition went to press, both both to press, went edition this as Just are this of all in losers real the course, Of were OTU “The AOC’s comment: The Phil without question: the Yet begs it that, of accused been Ihave “Oh, Coles: body’s world the gives Coles Phil o is this this o is Another chapter in his rivalry rivalry his in chapter Another scores? old some settle to around weight his throwing Coles Phil to? Australia has taken that inch inch that taken has Australia what it all comes down down comes all it what n C

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