Jennifer Carroll

Controversy

During the medal ceremony for the women's 50-metre backstroke at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Carroll was observed waving the Quebec flag. Dave Johnson, Carroll's coach at the time, called for her suspension. Swimming Canada ultimately decided not to suspend Carroll, despite her violation of a signed agreement mandated by the Commonwealth Games Federation, which prohibits athletes from carrying provincial flags on the podium. Instead, in November, a disciplinary committee ordered Carroll to write a letter to her teammates and issue a formal apology to the board. Carroll stated that the gesture was not political but was merely a way to thank the people in her home province for their support.