The Australian Institute of Sports' highest-profile swimmer Brenton Rickard could leave Canberra after the shock sacking of his coach Vince Raleigh.
Raleigh was informed late last week he would not be offered a new contract when his existing one expired at the end of the year.
Raleigh, who joined the AIS after the 2004 Athens Olympics, had a successful Beijing campaign with all six of his swimmers winning medals.
AIS director Peter Fricker declined to comment yesterday, but it is understood he will make a statement today following a meeting with Swimming Australia representatives.
''It would be inappropriate for anyone from here [at the AIS] to make a comment ahead of that meeting,'' an AIS spokesman said.
Rickard has been a loyal student of Raleigh and said yesterday he would have to weigh up his future if the decision to sack the coach stood.
Rickard first swam under Raleigh as a 10-year-old at Brisbane's Nudgee College. He followed him to Melbourne's Monash University before transferring to the AIS at the start of 2005.
''I have moved around before because of Vince and I've really loved my time at the AIS but at the same time, it wouldn't be the same here without Vince being here,'' Rickard told The Canberra Times.
''That's something I have to work out and the next few days, with meetings and finding out what and why, will be vital in that.
''It's too early to make any calls but I'm still trying to get my head around it all.''
Rickard credits his coach for a large part of his Beijing success, where he won silver medals in the 200m men's breaststroke and the 4x100m medley relay.
Raleigh was at the AIS yesterday morning where he discussed the issue with team members Rickard, Patrick Murphy and Kirk Palmer.
He was unwilling to discuss the issue when contacted by The Canberra Times yesterday.
''There's still a few things happening and I've got no comment to make,'' Raleigh said.
Swimming Australia has expressed disappointment with the decision and chief executive Kevin Neil will reportedly ask for an explanation from Fricker today.
There has been speculation a breakdown in Raleigh's relationship with AIS head coach Shannon Rollason was behind the decision.
Neither Raleigh or Rollason would discuss that issue when contacted yesterday.
''I cannot say a single word on that matter. I've been directed by people above me,'' Rollason said.
''That's the line I have to take, even though it's not my choice.''
Rickard said Raleigh had expressed shock and surprise rather than anger when he spoke to his swimmers yesterday.
''He's pretty much a gentle giant Vince and he was all right today, obviously just as surprised as the rest of us,'' Rickard said.
''I don't think anyone was expecting it and we still haven't been told details of what happened but have just been told that if we want that information, we need to chat with Peter Fricker.''