He was led to believe the gym was thriving.
"The opposite was true," prosecutor Roger Griffiths said. "The businesses were in financial trouble. Dishonest methods were used to keep them going."
Without Cooper's knowledge, large loans were taken out while the family home was re-mortgaged. Months after finding out of the loans he removed an email telling him he was bankrupt.
"This has had a profound and devastating effect on both me and my family," Cooper said in court.
"I was happily married with three children, enjoying a career playing a sport I excelled in for many years."
Cooper said he had to move back in with his parents who helped him pay legal bills, which they did by cashing in their pensions.
"[This] at a time when they should be planning for their retirement. I will always be profoundly grateful for their support."