Rinehart’s Atlas to fund swimming coach

Atlas Iron has revealed it will sponsor a high-performance coach at Artistic Swimming Western Australia, on the same day Gina Rinehart was nominated as the first life member of the organisation.

Iron ore miner Atlas’ commitment will establish a place for a dedicated coach at ASWA, to assist the development of aspiring swimmers with a focus on preparing them for the 2028 Olympic Games and beyond.

The high-performance coach will prepare swimmers to trial for the Australian national teams, based in Perth out of the Hancock Prospecting Centre of Excellence.

Artistic Swimming WA chair Nikki Eidne said the organisation was thrilled to have Atlas on board as a sponsor.

“This sponsorship not only reinforces our commitment to excellence but also reflects the shared vision of both organisations in supporting local talent on their journey to the highest echelons of international competition,” she said.

The value of the four-year sponsorship was not disclosed.

The announcement comes as Hancock Prospecting chair Gina Rinehart was made a life member of ASWA, an organisation she has provided funding support for since 2014.

Atlas is a subsidiary of Hancock, having been acquired by the privately owned business in 2018.

Hancock chief executive of operations Gerhard Veldsman said the company was proud of its contributions to the development of Olympians now and in the future, and paid tribute to Mrs Rinehart’s influence on the sporting landscape.

Mrs Rinehart is also patron of the national Olympic swimming, rowing, volleyball and artistic swimming teams.

“We’re pleased to be able to continue this legacy to ensure our state’s aspiring athletes will have the support they need to compete at the highest level on the global stage,” Mr Veldsman said.

News of the sponsorship broke on the same day Mrs Rinehart was nominated for life membership at ASWA in recognition of her financial support and engagement in the organisation.

Mrs Rinehart will be the first life member of ASWA, which was founded in 2009.

Tokyo 2020 Artistic Swimming Team captain and dual Olympian Emily Rogers said Mrs Rinehart was a worthy life member.

“Mrs Rinehart has offered athletes incredibly generous support; I would not be the athlete I am today, and I have her to thank for making my dreams of becoming an Olympian a reality,” she said.

Her view was supported by Tokyo 2020 Olympian and member of the team training for the Paris 2024 Olympics Alessanda Ho, who attributed ASWA’s world-class facilities and team quality to Mrs Rinehart’s ongoing support of the organisation.

Atlas Iron produces direct shipping ore from its Mt Webber, Sanjiv Ridge and Miralga mines in the northern Pilbara, while progressing a portfolio of exploration and development projects including two magnetite projects.

Mrs Rinehart has also been active on the acquisition front recently, and last month purchased bush outfitter Driza-Bone along with a majority stake in Bunbury Farmers Market.