HOCKEY: Anna Flanagan is eligible for selection in the Australian Olympic Team for Rio after the AOC considered her drink driving conviction.

In a letter to Flanagan, the AOC confirmed “that you remain eligible for ongoing membership of the Shadow Team, and, if nominated, selection for the 2016 Australian Olympic Team”.

Flanagan, a member of the Australian Women’s Hockey Team, was charged with drink driving in March this year.

She failed to disclose the charge to Hockey Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee.

The Shadow Team Agreement, which all athletes must sign, stipulates that athletes must disclose any serious offence or pending legal cases. Flanagan signed her AOC Shadow Team form in May but did not disclose the drink driving matter.

Her lawyers argued that the form related to “serious offences” only and advised her she was not required to disclose the charge.

The AOC reminded Flanagan of her responsibilities under the Agreement.

“As you are aware, being part of an Australian Olympic Team is an honour and a privilege, and is subject to very high standards of conduct. Members of the Shadow Team and the Australian Olympic Team are bound by a series of obligations relating to behaviour, including conducting oneself in a manner consistent with the values and standards expected of an Australian Olympian”.

AOC