Miller, who won silver in the men’s 100 metres butterfly and bronze in the men’s 4x100m medley relay was arrested in February 2021 at his home in Sydney after four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine was found hidden in eight candles.

Miller was arrested along with three other men - Wayne Allan Johnson, Justin Szabolics and Lucas Peak, in connection with the drug-smuggling.

When he was arrested heroin, cash and mobile phones were seized from cupboards in Miller’s home by police.

Miller was jailed for a total of five years and six months, but will be eligible for parole after three years in April 2024, with the sentence dating from his arrest in February 2021.

Miller also won three medals at the 1995 World Championships in Rio, Brazil, a gold in the 100 metres butterfly, silver in the 200 metres butterfly and silver in the 4x100 metres medley.

During his career Miller also won three Commonwealth Games medals in home water at Victoria in 1994, with golds in the 100m butterfly and 4x100m medley, and a silver in the 200m butterfly.  

During the court case, Miller’s lawyers cited the breakdown of his marriage with Charlotte Dawson, who took her own life in 2014, while character references from friends said he struggled after winning silver at Atlanta, as reported by the Australian Associated Press.

"Miller's recurrent problems with depression and substance use date back to the sacrifices and pressures of his swimming career and the disappointment of not winning a gold medal when his purpose hinged on that one event," one reference said.

During sentencing Judge Penelope Hock said of Miller and his co-accused: "They are now in their mid to late 40s and they must recognise they are at a critical point, not only for them but for their families and friends who continue to love and support them."

Szabolics was sentenced to three years in prison and will be eligible for parole in April 2024.

Johnson was sentenced to one year and 10 months' intensive correction order.