London 2012 Olympics: controversial Australian swimmer Nick D'Arcy handed chance to qualify for Games The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed they have backed Swimming Australia's decision to include D'Arcy in their shadow team. Now the controversial 24 year-old only has to record a top-two finish and an A qualifying time in the 200 metre butterfly at the Australian Swimming Championships next month at the South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide. Swimming Australia's endorsement of D'Arcy means he is one step closer to finally realising his Olympic dream after being booted off the 2008 Beijing team for his vicious assault on fellow swimmer Simon Cowley. The attack left Cowley with a broken jaw, cheekbone, nose and eye socket. As a result D'Arcy received a 14-month suspended jail term for recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and was ordered to pay Cowley Australian dollars 180,000 in compensation after civil action last July. However, D'Arcy filed for bankruptcy in December and now may not have to pay Cowley anything.