Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper has stood himself down from the Dolphins’ leadership group after skipping the final night of competition at the Commonwealth Games.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Cooper missed last Wednesday night’s action because he was out drinking in Glasgow.
The 22-year-old was actually due to swim in the 100m backstroke final that night after qualifying eighth-fastest but withdrew.
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He had earlier swum in the heats of the men’s 4x100m medley relay in the morning session.
But even though he wasn’t competing, Cooper was still expected to be at Glasgow’s Tollcross International Swimming centre to cheer on his teammates, especially considering he is a member of the leadership group.
There was also a final team meeting that Cooper missed.
Cooper’s indiscretion comes four years he was sent home from a training camp in France on the eve of the Birmingham Games for the misuse of prescription medication.
Swimming Australia confirmed Cooper’s removal from the leadership group, but said he is still expected to compete at the upcoming 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,” a Swimming Australia statement said.
“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 won gold at the Commonwealth Games as a member of the 4x100m medley team after swimming in the heats.
He also finished a somewhat disappointing sixth in the final of the 50m backstroke, the same event he won silver at the world championships in 2024.
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