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The two-time Olympic 1,500m freestyle gold medallist believes Australian swimming has not been irrevocably damaged by the revelations of athletes abusing prescription drugs, alcohol and curfews during last year’s London Games.

But the findings of a damning review into Australia’s Olympic swimming team should act as the catalyst for a greater emphasis on performance, he said.

“The guys who are involved in the team now need to take on board the lessons,” Perkins told reporters.

“Grow up a little bit and get on with the job that they’re there to do, which is to be the world’s best athletes, not celebrity show ponies.”