Swimmer quits Aussie leadership role after drinking session
A drinking session in Glasgow has led to Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper removing himself from the Dolphins’ athlete leadership group in a troubling end to his Commonwealth Games campaign.
The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that Cooper had missed the final night of competition and the team’s closing meeting, leading to a meeting with officials and head coach Rohan Taylor.
Isaac Cooper competes in Glasgow. Getty
Cooper’s indiscretion comes four years after he was sent home from a training camp in France due to the misuse of prescription medication.
On the final day of competition, Cooper raced in a relay heat in the morning but withdrew from the men’s 100m backstroke final.
Teammates not competing were expected to support Dolphins teammates, but according to the Herald, Cooper was out drinking.
No rules stop swimmers from drinking after they’ve stopped competing but not supporting his teammates didn’t meet expectations, particularly since he was in the leadership group.
Swimming Australia released a statement to the Herald and confirmed Cooper would still compete at the Pan Pacific Championships.
“Isaac did not attend the final night of the swimming competition or final team meeting in Glasgow which is in conflict with team expectations,” the statement read.
“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 the Pan Pacific Championships.”
Cooper swam in the semi-final of the 100m backstroke on the day before competition ended. He won gold as a heat swimmer in the men’s 4x100m medley relay.