Australian gold medal-winning swimmer Isaac Cooper has stepped down from the national swimming team's leadership group. This decision follows his absence from the final night of competition at the Commonwealth Games, during which he reportedly participated in a drinking session.
The 22-year-old was not present as the swim meet concluded at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow, nor at a subsequent team wrap-up meeting. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald stated he was seen drinking in Glasgow while his teammates were competing.
Swimming Australia issued a statement confirming that Cooper "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 added that Cooper has since "voluntarily stood down from the team’s athlete leadership group."
Cooper, who won a gold medal in the 4x100 medley relay after swimming in a heat, is still expected to compete for Australia at the Pan Pacific Championships in California later this month.