Former head of Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Simon Weatherill, dies in Portsea Classic

The former head of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Simon Weatherill, has died after having what is believed to be a heart attack while competing in the Portsea Swim Classic. 

Simon Weatherill has tragically died while competing in the Portsea Classic. Picture: Con Chronis

The former head of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Simon Weatherill, has died after having what is believed to be a heart attack while competing in the Portsea Swim Classic on Saturday. 

Mr Weatherill’s heartbroken family confirmed the 67-year-old’s death in a statement, paying tribute to the well known and highly respected Victorian sports industry identity.

Simon Weatherill was the former head of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Picture: Youtube

“It is with deep sadness we confirm the passing of our loved and adored husband, father, stepfather and much-loved friend Simon Weatherill,” the statement read.

“Simon was a passionate swimmer and former CEO of Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) and State Sport Centres Trust.

“He continued to mentor and coach within sports industry and broader sectors. Swimming was very much a passion throughout his professional and personal life. He lived at Safety Beach and was a regular bayside swimmer, competing in local and international swimming competitions.”

The family said Mr Weatherill was competing with “several of his close friends” at the time of his death.

His passing had shocked his wife, children, stepchildren and extended family and friends, they said.

Details regarding Mr Weatherill’s funeral will be announced next week.

Mr Weatherill suffered a heart attack in the race. Picture: Con Chronis

Youth worker Les Twentyman paid tribute to his friend and former acting CEO of the Les Twentyman Foundation in an emotional statement shared to social media.

“A phone call a few minutes ago informed (me) he had a cardiac arrest while swimming this morning in a swimming event and passed away,” he said.

“To the family and many friends, my thoughts are with you.”

Portsea Surf Life Saving Club president, Matt Mahon also said the club’s thoughts and prayers were with Mr Weatherill’s family and friends.

Simon Weatherill was also a former acting CEO of the Les Twentyman Foundation. Picture: LinkedIn

Simon Weatherill with swimming legend Nicole Livingstone.

Races were paused while paramedics attended to Mr Weatherill.

It came as more than 3000 swimmers took to the water at Point Nepean National Park on Saturday during the 38th running of the event, with Brianna Snyders and Tommy Lane taking out the 1.5km classic.

The event saw Lane, 18, claim the double — taking line honours in the iconic 1.5km Portsea Swim Classic and the 2.5km Gold event.

The Brighton swimmer powered home to win the 2.5km race in 21 minutes and 27.6 seconds before backing it up four hours later by taking out the 1.5km race.

Ultra-marathon swimmer Brianna Snyders was the first female home in the 1.5km Classic in a time of 15:10.70.