Hockeyroo Anna Flanagan eligible for Rio after failing to disclose drink-driving charge
A few weeks ago we published this article that told the story about an incident that involved Hockeyroos’ star Anna Flanagan and the possibility of being dropped from the Olympic squad: Should Anna Flanagan be dropped from Rio 2016 for failing a breath test? We think not! – Today, the Australian Olympic Committee has decided to allow Anna Flanagan to remain eligible.
(ABC NEWS AUSTRALIA) – The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has decided Hockeyroos player Anna Flanagan is eligible for the Olympics despite failing to inform them about a drink-driving charge. In a letter to Flanagan, the AOC wrote “you remain eligible for ongoing membership of the shadow team, and, if nominated, selection for the 2016 Australian Olympic Team”.
Flanagan lost her licence for 10 months and was fined $1,000 when she was charged in March. It was determined she broke the terms of her Shadow Olympic Team Agreement by not passing that information onto the AOC or Hockey Australia. The agreement, which all athletes sign, says athletes must disclose any serious offence or pending legal cases. 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,” they said in a statement.
“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”.
