It marks the worst result for Australia at the Games since Barcelona 1992 and a continuation of the decline of the country at the Olympics since they hosted Sydney 2000.

Coates admits it has been very disappointing but refused to blame the athletes, instead turning on the administrators for their lack of clear management.

"I wouldn't point the finger at any athletes in terms of attitude," he said.

"I can't do that.

"But I leave a question mark on whether the attitude or ownership is as good as it could be in the management of some of the sports.

"The sports have to look at themselves rather than look at the funding.

"I was concerned about 18 months before these Games whether the sports themselves, the Presidents and their executives, were taking enough ownership.

"I know the executives and chairmen in some sports know every result internationally.

"I get phone calls and we tick-tack.

"But there are others that are just allowing it to happen, relying on high-performance managers.

Australia won six silver medals in the pool including Christian Sprenger's when he was beaten by South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh in the men's 100m breaststroke

"I'm not going to be specific here but it has to come from the top.

"Any corporation is only as good as its chief executive or chairman and the direction that is coming from there.

"I'm trying to make sure the sports know their neck isn't on the line but they have to take some ownership.

"They're largely being very, very well-funded by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and with that comes the responsibility of delivering."

Despite the poor performance at London 2012, Coates insisted his expectations haven't diminished for the next Summer Olympics in 2016.

"I haven't lost the hunger for Australia to do well in Rio," he said.

"Our objective again will be top five.

"The Australian Olympic Committee hasn't lost the hunger."

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