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Stephen Martin (file pic). Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Wave Goodbye

Olympic gold medal winning ex-hockey star steps down as OCI's Chief Executive Officer

Dr Stephen Martin has decided to pursue other career interests.

IT HAS BEEN confirmed that the Chief Executive Officer of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) Dr Stephen Martin is stepping down to pursue other career interests.

Martin, who will still be the OCI Chef de Mission for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, was commended via a statement from the organisation.

“On behalf of the OCI Board I wish to acknowledge Stephen’s hard work and service to the Irish Olympic movement,” said OCI president, Sarah Keane.

“Stephen’s experience and relationships with national and international sporting bodies were of value to the OCI over the past decade. As Stephen leaves to pursue other interests we wish him the very best for the future.”

The former international hockey player, who represented Great Britain in three Olympic games, winning bronze in 1984 and gold in 1988, also captained Ireland at international level.

The Down native joined the OCI in 2006, having previously worked as deputy CEO of the British Olympic Association (Team GB).

The former board member of the UK Sports Institute was the deputy Chef de Mission for the 2012 and 2016 Summer Games and Chef de Mission for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.

“I would like to thank OCI staff and the Board members for their support over the past decade,” Martin said.

“I have enjoyed working in close collaboration with National Federations, Olympic Organising Committees, the EOC, the IOC, our sponsors and the performance sport’s staff to optimise our athletes planning on their Olympic journey.

“I would particularly like to pay tribute to the athletes for their tremendous contribution to Irish sport. As a former Olympian I recognise the commitment, dedication and sacrifices required. It has been my privilege and honour to work with them and I wish them every success in their sporting careers.”

There has been no confirmation as to when Martin’s successor will be appointed, with Martin Burke and Linda O’Reilly set to cover his role on an interim basis.

The news comes amid a turbulent year for the OCI. Former president Pat Hickey is currently out of prison on bail and is due to go on trial shortly following his arrest during the Rio Olympic Games on corruption charges.

Hickey formally stepped down as the organisation’s president last February with Keane subsequently taking over the role.

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