We have no comment on the penalty delivered by the court today. However I have no doubt the AOC Executive made the correct decision in terminating Nick D’Arcy’s membership of the Beijing Olympic Team last June.

In regards to Nick D’Arcy representing Australia at the 2012 Olympic Games in London: He would be eligible to compete if he meets certain criteria.

Firstly he needs to qualify, and as we have seen at the last Youth Festival, swimming has some very talented young athletes in their ranks.

He must also meet the behavioural standards expected of all Olympic athletes and set out in our Team Agreement.

The agreement stipulates that an athlete’s conduct must not be inconsistent with the best interest, image or values of the AOC.

We owe it to past Olympians to maintain the high standards and reputation they have established over many years.

Olympians are role models for young children, they are ambassadors for their country and Nick D’Arcy would need to convince the AOC selection committee he could achieve and maintain these standards before he would be included on the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.

John Coates
President
Australian Olympic Committee

Read about D'Arcy's sentence here>>>