Australian Swimmers Have Been BANNED From Closing Ceremony
Australian swimmers Josh Palmer and Emma McKeon have been banned from the Games closing ceremony, after staying out all night partying.
The pair had been on a night out with other swimmers and are reported to have still been in a club at around 4 AM.
Palmer, 25, was robbed of $1,000 and his wallet and phone on the night out, while McKeon, 22, stayed with friends in Copacabana until the next morning without telling the team management.
After Australia’s other swimmers returned to the Games village, McKeon went to her friends’ and Palmer headed to a beach with a friend to keep drinking.
He has since said a man forced a man to withdraw cash from ATM; he was then found ‘’disorientated without his wallet and phone' by two businessmen in the Copa district of Rio de Janeiro, according to The Australian.
Aus swimmers banned from closing ceremony, placed on curfew, after night out. Entire team now on 2am curfew #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/mFaF2eHfgr
— Sam Lane (@SamJaneLane) August 18, 2016
The businessmen contacted the Australian Consulate who the contact the Australian Team who sent Swim Team leader Wayne Lomas to pick him up.
Palmer had to meet with the Australian head of security, Greg Nance and a member of The Australian Federal Police.
Chef de Mission for Australia Kitty Chiller said ‘’Palmer and McKeon's behaviour was unacceptable, and they breached disciplinary protocols.
'I have raised the need for the Swimming Team Leader to ensure he is aware of his athlete's whereabouts when leaving the Olympic Village and that the swimming athletes observe the 2 am curfew.'Â
The pair has been put on a strict curfew and are both banned from the Closing Ceremony.
Aussie swimmer Josh Palmer 'robbed' during drunken night out at #Rio2016 #7News #Yahoo7https://t.co/6OR4DqhaNa pic.twitter.com/cjJvImRWN2
— 7News Yahoo7 (@Y7News) August 18, 2016
During the Games, McKeon won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal. Palmer placed fifth in his 100m backstroke.
