Aussie swimmers banned from closing ceremony after big night out

Australian swimmers Josh Palmer and Emma McKeon have been disciplined by Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller after failing to return to the Olympic village following a night out in Rio.

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Palmer and McKeon have been banned from the closing ceremony and will be made to remain in the village between 8pm and 8am.

After a night out with swimming team members, McKeon decided to stay with friends in the Copa district without informing team management.

McKeon addresses the media. Source: Getty

Meanwhile, Palmer continued drinking before he was forced to withdraw $1,000 in cash from an ATM by a man who also stole his wallet and phone.

He was found in the Copa district by two businessmen who phoned the Australian consulate, where he was later picked up by swimming team leader Wayne Lonas.

Palmer in the Rio pool. Source: Getty

“Palmer and McKeon’s behaviour was unacceptable and they breached disciplinary protocols," Head of Security for the Australian Olympic Team, Greg Nance, said.

"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 2am curfew.

“Given the security problems we have encountered over the past few weeks I find the behaviour of the disciplined athletes disrespectful to the remainder of the Team.”

Both athletes have apologised.

Swimming Australia said on Friday it supports the decision by the Australian Olympic Committee to sanction two swimmers; Joshua Palmer and Emma McKeon.

Swimming Australia CEO, Mark Anderson stated that "our athletes safety, health and well-being is of paramount importance and the sanctions applied reinforces this position for the two involved athletes and the team."

"Over the course of the Olympic Games the Australian swim team has represented Australia and the team well and have been very mindful of their responsibilities as Australian Olympic Team members,” Anderson said.

“The values of the Olympic Team and the Australian Swim team are our foundation. We hold each other accountable for these values. These are two isolated incidents that do not reflect on the whole team.”

Australian Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren said: “In both instances these are not issues of poor behaviour by either individual. The matters related to the safety of both swimmers and that is my and the team’s priority,” Verhaeren said.

“Both athletes conducted themselves well and professionally throughout the competition.”