On Friday it was announced that Australian swimmer, Nick D’Arcy, would not be permitted to represent Australia in the Beijing Olympic Games.
Why? Because of an alleged assault on fellow swimmer in a Sydney nightclub, action which the Olympic Committee said brought the sport into disrepute. Seems pretty straightforward to me.
However the media coverage I have been reading has been overly sympathetic to D’Arcy, focussing on his disappointment, the disappointment of his family, and questioning how just the decision was – particularly in light of the fact that he’s quite a good swimmer.
Today D’Arcy goes to court, not to challenge the decision of the Olympic Committee, but to face justice for his accused crime (recklessly inflicting grievous boldily harm). If he is proven guilty, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years – clearly this was no insignificant (alleged) indiscretion.
I don’t care how good a swimmer he is – in going to the Olympics he is representing Australia, and our representatives should be people of integrity, not just people with skill. We need to expect more from our athletes. I feel sorry for him, but actions have consequences – it just so happens that his actions have resulted in him not going to the Olympic games…and possibly being thrown into gaol for the next 10 years.
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One Comment
that’s a really good insight, tige. it’s funny that what should be the responsibility of sporting athletes has turned into some kind of concession card.
personally, i’d be more worried about losing the entirety of my young adulthood to gaol than missing the olympics… but can you imagine the media pulling the heartstrings on his gaol term?!!
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