Commonwealth Games 2022 Birmingham: Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper sent home for ‘medication use’

Just a week out from the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, teenage sensation Isaac Cooper has been sent home for a disciplinary breach, which includes his ‘use of medication’ according to Swimming Australia. 

The 18-year-old had a stellar National Championships earlier this year, including gold in the 50 and 100 metre backstroke.

Cooper had been set to make his Games debut in four events – the two aforementioned backstroke races, 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle.

Swimming Australia (SA) made the announcement Cooper had been sent home on Wednesday, from the Dolphins’ pre-Games training camp in France. 

‘Cooper has been sent home from the Dolphins training camp following some wellbeing challenges, including the use of medication,’ Swimming Australia said in a statement.

‘He has acknowledged his mistakes and accepted the consequences, and Swimming Australia will continue to support him as he addresses these challenges.’

Isaac Cooper competes in a medley relay during the 2022 World Championships

Swimming Australia, which was mired in controversy after an infamous Stilnox incident at the 2012 London Olympics, made it perfectly clear the bar was high when it came to representing Australia.

‘The welfare of our athletes remains our absolute priority,’ the statement continued.

‘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.’

The Commonwealth Games start on July 28, with swimming events to run until August 8.

More to come…