The internet tells me the definition of vortex is a “whirling mass of fluid”. From this point of view the most appropriately named blog on the internet belongs to Swimvortex; not because of the way it is written, indeed no one could question Craig Lord’s linguistic skills, but because of the confused and disjointed sporting world that is so often the focus of Lord’s attention.

Nowhere is that better illustrated than in the blog’s most recent post. Here is the link. I recommend it as compulsory reading for anyone interested in international or New Zealand sporting reform. The scale may be different but the problems are the same.

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Lord’s post discusses the recent European Olympic Committee’s (EOC) General Assembly meeting. It seems the IOC and especially its President, Thomas Bach, are beginning to feel the heat that comes with the push for reform. Bach’s unease is well-founded. Athletes are speaking with a new and powerful voice.

For example, a stunning decision by the European Commission recently ruled that a skating regulation that imposed severe penalties on athletes competing in events not authorized by the governing body was in breach of anti-trust laws and must be changed. The decision of top swimmers to support a new international swimming league will have similar long term consequences.

Sadly Bach responded badly to these reforms. He attempted to claim some moral, social benefit high-ground. Here is what he said.

That line of reasoning makes me mad. I have no idea why Bach has decided to fight the reformers. Doesn’t he see the benefits that would accrue to the IOC by openly welcoming reform? Just look at the way professionalism altered the Wimbledon Tennis Club. A moribund and impoverished recreational tennis club has become a multimillion dollar business. The good Wimbledon is able to do now with its huge resources far exceeds anything in its past. Imagine if that transformation was replicated by the IOC. Instead Bach and his blazer mates cling onto the past; claiming that they alone are looking after the welfare of sport. For longer than I can remember sporting bureaucrats have lived like kings at the expense of those the public pay to see.

A few years ago Alison, John Walker and Rodney Dixon were competing in the London Coke Meet. The meet was a big deal. Crystal Palace was sold out. John had just set a new mile world record. He was probably the biggest drawcard in world athletics. I can’t remember the results. Alison ran a good 800 in just a little over 2.00 minutes. John I think won a 2000 meter race. Rodney, I’m not sure, but I think won the 5000. It was a successful night.

The athlete’s invitation to compete included a reception after the meet. By the time a thousand autographs had been signed we were on our own with no idea where the reception was being held. We wandered around and found what looked like a reception venue. The four of us marched in and started to admire the feast laid out for our enjoyment; steaks, crayfish, baked-potatoes, salad, strawberries and cream. Wow we thought this is great. They sure know how to treat athletes around here.

But that thought died. An elderly blazer asked, “Who are you?”

Fearing my status and my times would not be sufficient I said I was with Alison, John Walker and Rodney Dixon.

“Oh” said the blazer, “you’re athletes. This is for officials. Your reception is downstairs.”

Sadly we turned away from the official’s feast and trouped downstairs. What a difference. The athlete’s fare was a few burnt sausages, moist potato crisps and some limp lettuce. I’ve never forgotten that injustice. I know where the fruits were being harvested that night.

Of course New Zealand is just as bad. When Toni Jeffs was swimming she was forced to sign a contract swearing she would not drink alcohol for the period of the agreement. Toni was 25 and legally entitled to have a drink. But what was most annoying was the SNZ officials sitting upstairs in the Kilbirnie Pool during the National Championships getting sloshed on SNZ supplied wine and cheese. Toni gave the officials a well-deserved serve on the back page of the morning’s Dominion newspaper.

And it still goes on today. Johns flies to Japan and SNZ pays the bill. Francis flies to China and SNZ pays the bill. Sixteen swimmers fly to the World Championships to represent their nation and a SNZ Board of six Bachs orders the swimmers to pay for themselves. How is that any different from a plate of burnt sausages and damp potato crisps?

Between them Francis and Johns pocket the thick end of $300,000 in wages. For winning a World Championships Lauren Boyle got $40,000. Dame Valerie Adams won the Olympics and only earned $60,000. It is criminal what Bach, Johns, Francis and their mates get away with. And they wonder why athletes find proposals like the professional league appealing. The reason is not hard to work out. Athletes are sick of being lied to, fed up with being taken advantage of, and tired of eating burnt sausages

To be fair athletes have been slow to react. They have accepted platitudes from Bach and Johns and Francis for far too long. But that is changing. The time has come when swimmers want the crayfish and steak for themselves. And so they should. But don’t take my word for it. Go to Graig Lord’s Facebook Swimvortex site. Read what he has to say. And remember the author is one of the world’s leading swimming journalists. His opinion deserves our unconditional respect.