Paralympics Australia CEO Catherine Clark resigns weeks before 2024 Paris Olympic Games

The CEO of Paralympics Australia has resigned just one day after the team was launched for the Paris Olympics, with insiders revealing she had recently skipped several major functions.

The CEO of Paralympics Australia has resigned just one day after the team was launched for the Paris Olympics.

Catherine Clark resigned from the position after two-and-a-half years in the role, with no reason given.

Sources close to PA said Clark’s fate was sealed well before the announcement and followed some frank talks with senior PA officials which seemed to bring her PA career to a hasty end.

“I don’t think it ended well,’’ the source said.

The announcement comes a day after the 2024 Australian Paralympics team held its official launch at Parliament House in Canberra.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone for their support during my time at PA,” Ms Clark said.

“The stage is well and truly set for Paris. The athletes and their support teams are ready.

“I hand over to them with complete confidence as they are poised to create their magic.”

Ms Clark skipped several major functions – including the Prime Minister’s dinner – before her shock resignation.

Catherine Clark speaks during the Parliamentary Friends of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement Launch at Parliament House in March. Photo: Josh Chadwick

Rumours had swirled in the sports world that Clark would leave the job after she was unsighted at key events such as last week’s announcement of a record $283 federal government funding announcement for Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Clark also missed last week’s Olympic and Paralympic dinner in Canberra where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted former Olympic flag-bearers.

During her tenure Ms Clark has delivered several key initiatives, including guiding Paralympics Australia to deliver its new strategic plan, the organisation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan as well as critical advocacy for funding equity, including equal team appeal funding for the Australian Paralympic team.

“It’s been a tremendous honour to be a part of the Australian Paralympic movement; this really is an incredible community,” Ms Clark said.

“I am immensely proud of our IMAGINE Strategic Plan, the progress we have made towards equity and in raising the profile of Para-sport.”

Ms Clark is Queensland-educated, has represented the state in hockey, served on the board of Hockey Queensland and was CEO of Netball Queensland.

Paralympics Australia’s head of commercial, communications and brand Cameron Murray has been appointed as interim CEO.

In a statement released late Wednesday, Paralympics Australia said Mr Murray brought with him a wealth of expertise with more than 25 years’ experience in senior roles in sports management and leadership including World Cup and Commonwealth Games – ensuring a smooth transition for the organisation.

Originally published as Paralympics Australia CEO Catherine Clark resigns weeks before 2024 Paris Olympic Games