Australian Olympic Committee stalwart Andrew ‘The Admiral’ Plympton has died aged 74 following a long battle with lung cancer.
A sailing world champion in 1988, he continued sailing until only a few weeks before his death.
Plympton was a long-time president of Australian Sailing and also served on the executive of the AOC, while he is credited with helping revive Australian sailing on the biggest stage.
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“(Plympton) was instrumental in the development of the Gold Medal Plan after the Athens Olympics when sailing failed to win a single medal,” the AOC wrote.
“The enormous success of Australia in later Games, especially in London and Rio, was the outworking of this plan.”
Plympton was also president of AFL club St Kilda through the 1990s and helped turn around their fortunes.
He discussed a merger with Carlton before some of the club’s star players, including Nathan Burke, Robert Harvey and Stewart Loewe, committed to the club and went on to lead the team to their first grand final in more than 20 years.
“A wonderful man in many ways,” Burke wrote.
“Was a magnificent contributor to the Saints and a man who could entertain a whole room but always make you feel he was there for you too. Will miss him but so glad I knew him.”
Prominent commentator and Saints fan Bruce Eva said: “Andrew Plympton was a mighty leader of St Kilda. We began in dispute (Moorabbin/Waverley) but became firm friends. He was the best company imaginable – intelligent, wise and quick-witted, all wrapped up in a larrikin persona. And that laugh! Love ya, Prez. You will be missed.”
Plympton was elected to the AOC executive in 2009, remaining in place until 2017, and was also on the board of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame up until his death.
“Andrew wanted others to succeed in sport. His efforts were selfless, encouraging and caring,” AOC vice-president Matt Allen said.
“He was well known for his humor, irreverence and cutting wit. He has the ability to hold court with a few well-chosen words.
“His words were often politically incorrect but wickedly amusing. ‘As you were’ was his favorite signing off message. A great man, mentor and friend.”
He joined the Australian Sports Commission board in 2011, the same year he finished his seven-year stint leading Australian Sailing (then known as Yachting Australia).
“On behalf of the ASC, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Mr Plympton’s family and friends and acknowledge his tremendous service to Australian sport,” ASC chair Josephine Sukkar said.
“His lifelong passion for sport, in particular sailing, will leave a lasting legacy, in particular his distinguished service with the Australian Sports Commission.
“Mr Plympton was one of our longest serving Commissioners and we are grateful for the significant contribution he made throughout his tenure.”
Plympton is survived by wife Kim and daughters Katrina and Amanda.