2 Aussie swimmers disciplined after night out in Copacabana

19 August 2016, 12:00AM

Two Australian swimmers were disciplined by their country's Olympic committee for failing to return to the athletes village or tell team officials where they were during a night out in Copacabana.

Emma McKeon and Josh Palmer won't be allowed to participate in Sunday's closing ceremony and must stay in the village between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. They also can only travel to events in official Olympic transportation.

The punishment was handed out by Australian Olympic Committee Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller. Swimming Australia said Thursday it supports the AOC's decision.

According to Swimming Australia, McKeon got separated from team members at a nightclub Tuesday and instead of traveling alone back to the village, she stayed with two female friends in Copacabana. Her failure to advise officials of her whereabouts violated team rules.

Palmer also got separated from teammates and continued to drink alone, Swimming Australia said.

Australian coach Jacco Verhaeren said McKeon and Palmer conducted themselves professionally during the games and were being punished for risking their safety.

McKeon won four medals in Rio — gold, two silvers and bronze. Palmer finished 30th in the 100-meter breaststroke.

19 August 2016, 12:00AM
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