Former Olympic swimming physiotherapist Peter John Wells faces sex abuse trial
Consensus Summary
Peter John Wells, a 55-year-old former Olympic swimming physiotherapist, has been committed to stand trial in Brisbane District Court after pleading not guilty to six charges, including one sexual assault and five counts of maintaining unlawful relationships with children under 16. Allegations span 2002–2011 and involve two former Olympic medallists among the victims. Wells worked with Swimming Australia at multiple Olympics, including Beijing, London, Tokyo, and Rio, and previously faced dropped charges involving another Olympian. Both sources confirm his innocence plea and ongoing bail status, though ABC notes additional charges were withdrawn due to lack of evidence. The Office of the Health Ombudsman has restricted Wells’ practice to approved locations, barring him from treating minors or female patients.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Peter John Wells, 55, pleaded not guilty to six charges in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 2026-04-29, including one count of sexual assault and five counts of maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child under 16.
- Wells is accused of sexually abusing an Olympic athlete and maintaining unlawful relationships with elite swimmers during their childhood, with allegations spanning 2002–2011.
- Wells worked as a physiotherapist for Swimming Australia at the Beijing, London, and Tokyo Olympic Games, and was lead physiotherapist at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
- Two of the alleged victims are former Olympic medallists.
- Wells was previously charged with three additional sexual assault charges involving two alleged victims (including another Olympian), but those charges were dropped by the prosecution.
- Wells is currently on bail and committed to stand trial in the Brisbane District Court.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The Office of the Health Ombudsman imposed strict conditions on Wells’ registration, barring him from treating anyone under 18 or any female patients, and restricting his practice to approved locations.
- Wells had held senior roles in Australian swimming and elite sport for over two decades.
- The committal hearing for Wells continued into 2026 after beginning late 2025, with multiple charges discontinued or replaced during proceedings.
- Two charges of sexual assault were withdrawn by the prosecution on 2026-04-29 due to lack of evidence.
- Allegations include touching young female athletes indecently during treatments.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Newscomau states Wells faced six charges in total, while ABC mentions he was initially charged with more than a dozen but had several discontinued or replaced.
Source Articles
Olympic coach facing sex abuse trial
A swimming team physiotherapist accused of sexually abusing young elite athletes, including two who are Olympic medallists, has been committed to stand trial.
Former Olympic swimming physio to stand trial for alleged child sex offences
Peter John Wells, 55, pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault, and five counts of maintaining a sexual relationship with a child.