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AOC media boss Mike Tancred steps down pending bullying investigation

Media director Mike Tancred (right) has stood down pending the investigation.

Media director Mike Tancred (right) has stood down pending the investigation. Photo: AAP

The crisis enveloping the Australian Olympic Committee has worsened with embattled media director Mike Tancred standing down from his position, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of bullying made against him by former chief executive Fiona de Jong.

The move comes just hours before a high-level meeting is scheduled to be held by AOC board members, with claims of threats and intimidation rife among top-level officials in the organisation.

Ms de Jong has alleged Mr Tancred made threats to her and her family while she was chief executive of the AOC, and says his close relationship with president John Coates helped keep it under the carpet.

She said the news of Mr Tancred’s decision was welcome, if overdue.

“I’m very pleased to see some action today after four months had passed since I first lodged the complaint,” Ms de Jong told the ABC.

“I guess from my perspective it’s disappointing it had to come to this.

“There is serious room for improvement on the processes for handling these kind of complaints and it is inaccurate to characterise mine as an isolated incident which is what some have done.”

Ms de Jong said she was disappointed the AOC found itself in this public position, but said the issue may not have ever been addressed if it had not emerged in the media.

“I’d question why it had to be made public in order for there to be such speedy action, and I wondered if it would have occurred if my complaint had not become public, but that’s subject to speculation,” she said.

“I do think it’s entirely appropriate that he step aside, not only because of my complaint, but in the wake of a number of other bullying allegations that have come to light since I first told my story.

“It’s equally unfortunate for me to see the organisation be in the headlines for these reasons.”

Coates under fire ahead of presidential battle

Mr Coates, who is in the midst of a fierce battle retain his position at the top of the AOC, called Wednesday’s crisis meeting saying there was “clearly a coordinated and sadly vindictive campaign to damage me personally, and to tarnish all that has been achieved at the AOC”.

While Mr Tancred has denied any wrongdoing despite the allegations, he has opted to step away from his position.

Danni Roche, the woman seeking to oust Mr Coates as president, has said rumours of bullying within the AOC have been present for many years.

Former AOC employee Ryan Wells told the ABC Mr Tancred once threatened to kill him.

“In the lead up to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Mike approached me, came up to my desk, and stood over me about 60 centimetres from my desk and threatened to kill me,” Mr Wells said.

“I know what I have experienced has been experienced by other people.”

Mr Wells’ claims were mirrored by Ms de Jong, who said she was “threatened, intimidated, bullied and … blackmailed” by Mr Tancred.

“I called my husband and asked that he come down to the office to be with me,” she said.

“I would not have felt safe to be in the company of Mike Tancred alone.”

The vote for the AOC presidency will be held on May 6 at the annual general meeting.

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