Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper sent home, to miss Commonwealth Games over ‘wellbeing challenges, medication use’

Backstroker Isaac Cooper will miss the Commonwealth Games after being sent home from a training camp over ‘wellbeing challenges, medication use’.

Isaac Cooper, pictured with his Olympic bronze medal, has been sent home from a training camp in France and will miss the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Eighteen-year-old backstroker Isaac Cooper has been sent home from a training camp in France and will miss this month’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Swimming Australia said Cooper had been “sent home from the Dolphins’ training camp following some wellbeing challenges, including the use of medication”.

Citing privacy reasons, swimming officials refused to provide further details other than to confirm that no one else was involved.

It is understood team officials became aware of a problem with Cooper on Monday, and that Cooper agreed with the decision to send him home. He is to undergo a program to address the challenges, which have been unspecified, but which Swimming Australia says it will support.

The disciplinary action against Cooper will apply to the Commonwealth Games and he will be eligible for future Australian teams depending on his progress.

Isaac Cooper competes in the heats of the men’s 100m backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Alex Coppel

Cooper, from Bundaberg, was a heat swimmer in 4x100 metre mixed medley relay at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Swim officials have missed a deadline to be able to replace Cooper in the individual backstroke events in Birmingham, but will look at other backstroke swimmers already on the team to make up the relay spot.

Ten years ago the sport was rocked when it emerged Australian swim team members competing at the London 2012 Olympics took sleeping medication Stilnox, which was partly blamed on the team’s poor culture and underperformance.

It is understood in this situation Stilnox was not involved.

Swimming Australia said Cooper had “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,” a Swimming Australia statement said.

The Australian swim team, comprising 46 swimmers and 30 Para-swimmers, will head to Birmingham later this week with the opening ceremony to be held on July 28. Popular para swimmer Tim Disken, 25, has also withdrawn from the Games, having undergone recent surgery and suffering a setback in his recovery.