Australia's Olympians have been told they can be larrikins but not louts in a strict new behaviour regime.
While brushing aside pollution and readiness concerns about next year's Rio Olympics, Australia's chef de mission Kitty Chiller bluntly put athletes on notice.
In the wake of damning recent reviews into swimming and track and field culture and operations, Chiller has warned there will be no secrets in the Australian camp in Rio.
"Team behaviour is a perennial question," Chiller told reporters on Wednesday.
"We have worked really hard and deliberately over the last year on team culture.
" ... Everyone on this team going to Rio will know exactly what the expectations are of them as an Australian Olympian - have fun, be a bit of a larrikin - that is the Australian way.
"But show respect for your fellow athletes and the performance environment we are creating."
Chiller said she would have no hesitation naming and shaming misbehaving athletes or drug cheats.
"We won't be shy, we won't be trying to hide or sweep things under the carpet ... there are no secrets for us or for the athletes," she said.
The health of Australian athletes was paramount, Chiller said, amid damning independent research into water quality at Rio's open-water Olympic venues.
But no Australian triathlete or open water swimmer had voiced concern after experiencing the polluted Rio conditions.
"None of the athletes are complaining," Chiller said.
"I have seen several quotes ... saying they're okay with it. In fact, the open water swimmers and triathletes said they have swum in a lot worse.
"But the pressure is on to clean up the water."
A year out from the Games, Chiller was also not openly concerned about Rio meeting its deadline to host South America's first Olympics.
"Will Rio be ready in time? That is out of my hands. But yes, I think it will," she said.
Share
