Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper has been sent home from a Commonwealth Games training camp for disciplinary reasons which includes the misuse of medication.
The 18-year-old was due to compete in the 50m and 100m backstroke, where he was a strong chance of winning gold, as well as the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle in Birmingham next week.
In a statement, Swimming Australia confirmed Cooper will miss the games.
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“Cooper has been sent home from the Dolphins training camp following some wellbeing challenges, including the use of medication,” it said.
“He has acknowledged his mistakes and accepted the consequences, and Swimming Australia will continue to support him as he addresses these challenges.
“The welfare of our athletes remains our absolute priority. Swimming Australia is vigilant in educating athletes of their obligations under the National Integrity Framework and will continue to provide all necessary support to ensure they uphold the highest standards and behaviours when representing Australia.”
Cooper won a bronze medal at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, swimming in the heats of the 4x100m mixed medley relay.
He set a national record in the 50m backstroke at the selection trials in May, and is the top-ranked swimmer in the Commonwealth in both the 50m and 100m backstroke.
News Corp is reporting that swimming officials deny that the sleeping drug Stilnox is involved.
In 2012, six members of the Australian team, including superstar James Magnussen, were involved in a controversial bonding session prior to that year’s London Olympics, which involved taking Stilnox, which is a prescription drug.
As well as Cooper, another member of the Dolphins team, Tim Disken, will also miss the Commonwealth games.
“Disken has experienced a setback in his recovery following recent surgery which will rule him out of competing in Birmingham,” Swimming Australia said.
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