Swanwick was a controversial choice when she was appointed in October 2009 having had a sex-change operation the previous year and having previously been known as Kim Swanwick.

A graduate of Bedford College of PE and Sheffield University, Swanwick had originally forged her reputation working with a number of world-class swimmers, including Britain's Zoe Baker, who between them set seven world records.

Swanwick had been employed by TSA to help provide managerial, administrative and logistical support for South Africa's elite triathletes, who have been set the target of winning at least one medal at London 2012, and also to help lay foundations for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.

But the TSA's ruling Executive Committee have decided to get rid of her following a series of unspecified incidents.

"Following numerous complaints directed at her regarding her behaviour and general performance as well as counter complaints by her against TSA and Excom Members, a number of meetings were held, both formal and informal to address the respective concerns," TSA said in a statement.

"Meetings were also facilitated by an external, independent consultant.At the conclusion of these meetings, the Excom, after taking into account all the representations and debating same extensively, taking into consideration the best interest of TSA and its athletes, came to the conclusion that the relationship between the High Performance Manager and the athletes, as well as the High Performance Manager and Excom, has deteriorated to a level where the trust relationship has irretrievably broken down.

"In the circumstances, the Excom decided that the probation period of employment of the High Performance Manager would not be extended beyond January 2011, however that the services of the High Performance Manager should be terminated with immediate effect."

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