In its first move with any serious teeth, Swimming Australia has handed down fines and “deferred suspensions” to six members of the Australian Olympic team; though not specifically named, the phrasing of the press release implicates that it was the six members of the men’s 400 free relay that went into the meet as gold medal favorites and emerged instead with just a fourth-place finish.

The Panel specifically cited the six members of the men’s 400 free relay for “inappropriate distribution and or use of the prescription drug Stilnox,” making late night phone calls to fellow team members, and “general misbehaviour” at the staging camp in Manchester prior to the Olympic Games. Those six swimmers were James Magnussen, Tommaso D’Orsogna, Cameron McEvoy, James Roberts, Eamon Sullivan, and Matt Targett.

In the matter of the accusations by Alicia Coutts against a teammate in January, after Swimming Australia implemented strict new conduct guidelines, the accused athlete (an unnamed male team member) was “reprimanded” for his actions.

Swimming Australia has conducted numerous internal and third-party investigations into the struggles of certain portions of their team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and the conclusions drawn have been largely focused around the misconduct of members of the male squad.

The full press release from Swimming Australia detailing findings is below.

Swimming Australia has finalised its Integrity Panel Report following allegations of inappropriate behaviour and has now presented that report to the Australian Olympic Committee for further consideration.

As a result of the Swimming Australia Integrity Panel report, six athletes will be required to make payments to Swimming Australia and will receive deferred suspensions for breaches of their behavioural obligations.

The Integrity Panel investigated allegations of inappropriate behaviour and misuse of prescription drugs by members of the Australian Swim Team during the Staging Camp in Manchester last year.

The Panel found that the six members of the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team in London failed to demonstrate the level of conduct required of members of the Team by either:

i. the inappropriate distribution and or use of the prescription drug Stilnox;

ii. participating in a bonding session that resulted in prank telephone calls and door knocking to fellow Team members in the late hours of the evening; and

iii. general misbehaviour.

The Integrity Panel also investigated allegations of drunkenness but found no evidence to sanction any athlete, coach or team official in relation to alcohol use during the Staging Camp and swimming component of the Olympic Games.

Allegations of bullying within the Team at the Staging Camp and during the Games were also investigated by the Panel, however no formal complaints were made to the Panel during the investigation and no recommendations of sanctions in that regard were made to the Board.

The Panel also looked into an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by a team member towards another team member in January, and upon consideration of the Panel’s findings the Board has issued a reprimand to the athlete concerned.

Swimming Australia President Barclay Nettlefold said the organisation will continue to assist the Australian Olympic Committee in their investigation if required, as they work towards developing the right culture and ethical framework to enable athletes and coaches to perform at their best.

“We believe these athletes showed poor judgement in their actions and behaviour, and such behaviour is unacceptable for members of the Australian Swim Team,” said Nettlefold.

“We have taken many steps towards developing a more positive culture within the team and the organisation already this year, and we’re confident we are heading in the right direction.”

Swimming Australia will be making no further comment on the matter.