Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper has voluntarily stepped down from the team's athlete leadership group after missing the final night of competition at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Cooper, 22, chose to have drinks instead of attending the final night of the swimming events or the subsequent team meeting.
Cooper had previously withdrawn from the men's 100m backstroke final on the same night, despite having qualified. He was reportedly spoken to by Australian head coach Rohan Taylor following the incident.
Teammates expressed surprise at Cooper's absence from both the final night's events and the post-session wrap-up meeting, particularly given his recent inclusion in the leadership group.
A spokesperson for Swimming Australia confirmed Cooper's voluntary resignation from the leadership role, stating that his absence conflicted with team expectations. The organization indicated it would not be making further comment and looks forward to Cooper's participation in the upcoming Pan Pacific Championships.
Cooper is a Tokyo bronze medalist.