Australian swimmers Josh Palmer and Emma McKeon have been banned from attending the closing ceremony at the Olympics after being hit with a curfew following a night out in Rio.
Palmer claimed he was forced to withdraw money at gunpoint in Copacabana before he was found looking disorientated by two businessmen, having lost his phone and wallet.
McKeon, who won four medals at the Games including a gold, was also out celebrating her success on Tuesday and the duo have been disciplined.
Australia's Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller said: "Two of our swimmers, being Josh Palmer and Emma McKeon, to varying degrees, breached our safety and security protocol, which is in place for entire team to make sure that we bring home all our athletes safe.
"Both of those athletes breached the protocol, we've considered the ramifications of that and imposed a curfew on those two athletes from 8pm to 8am. They will not be going to the closing ceremony, they are only allowed to travel to official sporting events during the day.
"Our swimming team management fully supports that sanction, they have also imposed a 2am curfew now on all swimmers during the Games.
"It's not a punishment, it's us ensuring that the safety and security of all our team members remains paramount. This could have ended up a lot worse and I do not want any athlete to put themselves in a position, we know what goes on it Copacabana
"I do not want to have to call up a parent and tell them their child has been robbed, mugged or anything worse."
McKeon tweeted: "To clarify, I've followed AOC safety protocol in not travelling to village alone. My error was not texting my team manager. #noclosingforme."
No comments:
Post a Comment