Melbourne, June 9 (ANI): Australian swimmers Nick D'Arcy and Kenrick Monk will be sent home immediately after they finish their events at the London Olympics next month, as punishment for posting online photographs of themselves toting high-powered firearms.
The Australian Olympic Committee has also banned the pair from using social media, including Twitter, for the entire "Games Period" - July 16 to August 15.
But the heaviest penalty for D'Arcy and Monk is their removal from the July 27 to August 12 Olympics as soon as their swimming commitments end on August 4, meaning they will be back in Australia when their team-mates are celebrating at the closing ceremony, the Herald Sun reported.
The AOC's hardline decision emerged following a selection committee meeting today, when the pair was described as "repeat offenders who had shown poor judgement in their decision-making."
D'Arcy and Monk will retain their places in the team, providing the pair does not breach team regulations and good behaviour protocols again.
The AOC's team executive said the duo's conduct "brought themselves into disrepute."
In a letter sent to both athletes, Chef de Mission Nick Green said: "Given this incident and our previous discussions concerning your conduct, I now have concerns regarding your lack of judgment.
"As a member of the 2012 Australian Olympic team, and as I have reminded you on previous occasions, it is an honour and a privilege to be a member of an Australian Olympic team.
"Australian Olympians are required to meet very high standards of conduct and we cannot risk the reputation of the team through non-compliance with the team membership agreement," he wrote.
The AOC said it would "arrange for both swimmers to leave the Olympic Village on August 4 to return to Australia, presuming they are not required for the final session of the swimming program in London."
The selection committee - Green, deputy chef de Mission Chris Fydler and AOC secretary-general Craig Phillips - has sent a clear warning to D'Arcy and Monk that any more mishaps will not be accepted. (ANI)
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