Nicholson and Tancock selected for UK Sport programme

3 Jul 2017

Craig Nicholson and Liam Tancock have been selected onto the 2017-19 edition of the International Leadership Programme (ILP).

UK Sport have named the 15 individuals who will take part in the the programme. It was first established in 2006 and it is UK Sport’s flagship international leadership development initiative for high calibre British sports administrators and retired athletes who are seeking to engage effectively and make an impact in international sport.

It forms part of UK Sport’s strategy of ensuring the UK has a strong, respected and supportive voice in international sport, by developing the knowledge, expertise and skills of representatives from National Governing Bodies (NGBs) in the UK and other national partners to operate and succeed in international sports organisations.

Craig Nicholson is Para-Swimming’s Performance Pathway Manager and has worked for British Swimming for over 12 years and has worked closely with the International Paralympic Committee in his career.

Liam Tancock is the world record holder in the 50m Backstroke and won World Championship gold at two editions of the competition. He has competed at two Olympic Games in his career.

UK Sport’s Head of International Relations, Robert Morini, said: “Now in its ninth year, I am delighted to announce such a high calibre and experienced set of individuals on this year’s programme and we look forward to working with them over the coming months. The ILP is a demonstration of UK Sport’s commitment to help develop the international sports leaders of the future, providing them with the knowledge, skills and competencies to be effective administrators in the governance and development of international sport.”

The 2017-19 programme will offer a new format to previous cohorts.  In addition to the formal 5 residential module structure covering the international sporting landscape, cross-cultural management, building powerful relationships, campaign management and negotiating and influencing skills, the new format will provide support for a further year through mentoring and an opportunity to experience international sport first-hand (for example, through attendance at an international federation congress or a visit to one of UK Sport’s International Partnerships Programmes).

Once completing the course, this cohort will join the growing number of ILP alumni, which currently stands at 99. The alumni include a range of senior British sport administrators who are active in international sport relations, including 19 CEOs, 10 athletes and retired athletes, and over 40 individuals with an international federation position.

The full list of participants who secured a place on the programme are as follows:

Craig Nicholson, British Swimming  

Liam Tancock, British Swimming

Alec Lochore, British Equestrian           

Anna Scott-Marshall, British Paralympic Association 

Beth Tweddle, British Gymnastics         

Bob Kelly, Royal Caledonian Curling Club          

Clare Cunningham, British Triathlon      

Jason Brautigam, British Equestrian     

Keir Worth, England Squash

Neil Armitage, Archery GB

Rachel Pavlou, The FA   

Sarah Lamplough, British Olympic Association

Scott Dougal, British Cycling    

Sophie Hosking, British Rowing           

Tim Brabants, British Canoeing