Ian Turner, Britain head coach, has become the second senior figure to quit his post with British Swimming in Olympic season. After the premature departure of Bill Sweetenham as performance director last autumn, Turner is heading for a senior coaching role in New Zealand.

Turner will remain in his post at his University of Loughborough base until April 6, the final day of the British Olympic trials, in Sheffield. He will then head to New Zealand, leaving behind him Commonwealth champions Ross Davenport and David Carry, among others. Turner coached Paul Palmer to Olympic silver and world bronze medals in the 1990s, and it was Palmer's speech to the media after taking silver over 400m freestyle behind Danyon Loader (NZL) at Atlanta, 1996, that paved the way for a political will to introduce lottery funding of sport in Britain. Palmer had almost no financial support and often trained in 25-yard and 25m pools.

Turner has accepted a role as the director of operations with North Shore in Auckland, while Clive Rushton, fellow Brit and high performance programme director for Swimming New Zealand, said he would be looking to make best use of Turner's expertise at national level. He told the NZ herald: 'We'd be crazy not to. Obviously his first responsibility is to North Shore. It is the biggest and most influential club in the country and as such it is an integral part of the national programme.'

'It's been a difficult decision to make but I've been made an offer that I found too difficult to refuse,' Turner said in a statement issued by British Swimming. 'It's a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to a new challenge and a different lifestyle. Unfortunately, you can't dictate when these moments arise but I know the group of swimmers I've worked with, together with the programme as a whole, are in great hands for the future.'

Michael Scott, newly appointed performance director, will work with Britain team coaches to place Turner's swimmers in other programmes. 'I know it's been a very difficult decision for Ian but it's one that I respect. Together we've looked at how we can minimise the impact felt by the swimmers and that will remain a priority as we move forward. We will be appointing an interim head coach who will work with the team and myself to ensure a smooth hand over. It's disappointing to lose someone of Ian's calibre but the team wishes him all the best for the future in his new life.'

When Sweetenham left last year, he predicted that foreign rivals would seek to poach a handful of Britain coaches. Turner was high on the list. It was assumed by some that the head coach would make his move after Beijing but opportunity has never shown much respect for the sporting calendar.

David Sparkes, chief executive of the federation, said: 'Ian has been a fantastic servant to the sport in Britain and has a tremendous record of delivering world-class swimmers and international medallists. He's been an important part of a team that has brought about significant change in British Swimming. He's made an immense contribution and we're pleased the legacy he leaves behind is a robust one that will be felt for many years to come. We understand this new role in New Zealand is a terrific lifestyle opportunity for Ian and wish him all the best for the future.'

Last October at the British Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association conference in Birmingham, Turner, president of the organisation, told coaches to continue the work that Sweetenham had set in place.

'We have swimmers who are more confident and are mentally tougher, but above all we have better educated coaches, more experience on the team and a belief that we are capable of winning medals,' said Turner. He also gave warning not to take anything for granted. 'Winning those medals is not guaranteed. The Olympic Games is like no other competition on the planet. We must take nothing for granted and continue to work hard all through the next 12 month period to Beijing. If we do that then we have a chance.'

The 'we' is now relative, though Turner, without a shadow of doubt, will feel a tug at throat and stomach when the likes of Carry and Davenport and the men of the 4x200m freestyle team who he has been working with for so long take to their blocks in Beijing.