- Swimmers will be among the first to compete in Paris
- Most likely to secure the highest medal count for Australia
- AOC will require them to leave the athletes’ village after their events
Former world champion James Magnussen has criticized Australia’s Olympic officials for treating swimmers like “hired guns” by mandating their departure from the athletes’ village just 48 hours after their final races.
Magnussen, who secured gold, silver, and bronze at the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016, as well as the 100m freestyle world championship titles in 2011 and 2013, retired from competitive swimming in 2019.
He voiced his concerns about the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) ahead of the Paris competition, where Australian swimmers are anticipated to achieve a noteworthy number of gold medals.
The AOC has caused displeasure among swimmers by announcing they will only be allowed to stay in the village for 48 hours post-events before needing to arrange their own accommodations in Paris.
On the first episode of the ‘Matty and the Missile’ podcast, hosted by Matty Johns, Magnussen expressed that this decision reveals a significant lack of respect for the sacrifices that swimmers make, robbing them of the chance to celebrate their achievements properly.
‘From a swimmer’s point of view, it certainly feels like this team is being treated as hired guns. You arrive late, miss the opening ceremony, jump straight into competition, and once you’re done, you’re expected to leave,’ he stated during the podcast.
‘There’s no closing ceremony experience, no Olympic atmosphere to enjoy, and you can’t indulge in the food hall or enjoy the perks that come with the Olympic experience.’
Australian swimmers will be ordered to leave the athlete’s village 48 hours after their events
Olympic gold medal winner James Magnussen said the AOC was being too hard on the swimmers by not letting them enjoy Olympic life
‘As soon as they finish competing, they’ll have 48 hours to vacate,’ Magnussen remarked.
‘If they wish, they can pay their own way to stay in Paris and return for the closing ceremony, with accommodations available for that night.’
‘I began wondering, ‘If Titmus performs as expected, winning gold in both the 200m and 400m in back-to-back Olympics, she should be our flag bearer at the closing ceremony.’ I attended the swimming press conference.’
‘However, Australian chef de mission Anna Meares has stated there will be no special treatment, meaning Ariarne will have to leave the village, regardless of her accolades.’
‘If she’s chosen to carry the flag in the opening ceremony, it will be her responsibility to return to the village and represent our nation in that capacity.’
The Aussie swimmers were also forced to sit out the opening ceremony celebrations as they prepare for their events starting tonight AEST
Magnussen is also the first athlete globally to join the Enhanced Games, an initiative led by Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza.
The distinguished swimmer will receive $1.5 million for participating in this competition, which not only permits but actually promotes the use of performance-enhancing substances.
‘I’ve maintained a decent level of fitness in retirement,’ Magnussen stated previously.
‘The Enhanced Games organizers have indicated that a person with a billion-dollar backing is involved.
‘If they are willing to put up $1 million for the 50 freestyle world record, I’ll gladly sign on as their inaugural athlete.
‘I will gladly enhance my performance and break that record in six months.’
