An Aussie swimmer has voluntarily stood down from his leadership group after missing one of the most important nights at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Isaac Cooper, 22, missed the final night of the competition at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre after choosing to have drinks instead of cheering on his Dolphins teammates on Wednesday.
He was also seen drinking at Australia’s team headquarters.
The Brisbane swimmer had earlier withdrawn from the men’s 100m backstroke final scheduled for that night despite qualifying for the final the night before.
He had even swum in the heats of the men’s prelim 4×100 medley relay on Wednesday morning.
The Tokyo bronze medalist was ‘hauled in by team officials and spoken to by Australian head coach Rohan Taylor,’ the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
His teammates were surprised Cooper did not attend either the final night or the post-session wrap-up meeting, despite recently joining the leadership group.
‘Isaac did not attend the final night of the swimming competition or final team meeting in Glasgow, which is in conflict with team expectations,’ a Swimming Australia spokesman said.
An Aussie swimmer has stripped of his leadership with the swimming team after going missing at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Isaac Cooper (second from right) missed the final night of the competition in the pool after choosing to have drinks instead of cheering on his Dolphins teammates on Wednesday
Isaac Cooper, 22, missed the final night of the competition in the pool after choosing to have drinks instead of cheering on his Dolphins teammates on Wednesday
‘Isaac has since voluntarily stood down from the team’s athlete leadership group.
‘Swimming Australia will not be making any further comment on this issue. We look forward to watching Isaac compete at (this month’s) Pan Pacific Championships.’
While athletes are permitted to drink once their events are over, Cooper’s decision drew scrutiny because he did not support teammates competing in finals despite being a leader.
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