The Sydney Swans are mourning the loss of former club dietitian, Associate Professor Helen O’Connor, who has lost her battle with cancer.

Highly ethical, admirable and a strong leader, Professor O’Connor was a pioneer in the profession of sports nutrition. She became the Sydney Swans’ first club dietitian in 1986 and remained with the Swans for 17 years, establishing the successful program that the Swans run today.

In 1996, Professor O’Connor became the inaugural President of Sports Dietitians Australia. She later joined the University of Sydney’s School of Exercise and Sports Science, where she was a lecturer for current club dietitian Elise Anderson.

With a passion for advocating good health and nutrition, Professor O’Connor worked with athletes from the AFL to the NRL, boxers and Olympians. She was instrumental in setting up the nutrition program at the NSW Institute of Sport and influenced menus and athlete nutrition at both the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Acknowledging her tenacity for the industry, she was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for services to sports nutrition in 2000 and later a fellowship with Sports Dietitians Australia in 2005. 

The Sydney Swans extend condolences to Helen’s family including her husband Brad, and sons Nick and Alex.