Busch to retire as national team director of USA Swimming

Published Feb. 14, 2017 2:09 p.m. ET

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) Frank Busch, national team director for USA Swimming since 2011, will retire in September, following executive director Chuck Wielgus out the door at the sport's national governing body.

Busch said Tuesday he will leave on Sept. 1. Last month, Wielgus announced he is leaving on Aug. 31.

Under Busch, U.S. swimmers topped the standings with 31 medals at the 2012 London Olympics and 33 at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Over the last three world championships, the American team won 81 medals, including 38 gold. Busch will stay on through this summer's world meet in Hungary.

''I'm forever grateful to Chuck for giving me the opportunity to lead USA Swimming's national team division,'' Busch said in a statement. ''It was the gold standard internationally long before I arrived, and the people that I've been able to work with over the last six years are remarkable people and the best in the world at what they do.''

Before taking his current position, Busch coached the University of Arizona swimming team from 1989-2011. He guided the Wildcats to men's and women's NCAA team titles in 2008, and his club team, Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics, produced numerous standout swimmers.

He was on the U.S. coaching staffs for the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.