in deep water

There was a story on radio and television news later last night and again it features prominently in newspapers today. And the coverage angers me.

The story concerns Olympic swimming coach and Commonwealth Games swimming coach Mark Thompson. He has been accused of sexually assaulting a young boy.

He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with two counts of committing indecent acts and one of sexual penetration of a child under sixteen.

Obviously, you are innocent until proven guilty, but what angered me was the way many news reports focussed not on the alleged crimes but on what affect the charges would have on the Commonwealth Games hopes of one of Thompson’s swimmers – Olympic Silver medallist Brooke  Hanson.  What about the alleged victim for crissake? What about his future.

Hanson’s management issued a statement saying that Hanson had been instructed not to comment  but she did say “Myself and the Nunawading Swimming  Club swimmers will continue to train… with our major focus on the Commonwealth Games swimming trials.”

Hanson’s manager, Gary Barclay, who is also general manager at the club said: “ I just think they need time to take it in. They are professional athletes”.

Can you believe this ? Thompson was an Australian swimming team coach at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.  He has stood down from all coaching positions until his case is next heard in January and that means he will take no part in the Australians lead up to the Games here in Melbourne.

But remember, these are serious sexual charges, allegedly involving a young boy.  To be perfectly blunt and honest I don’t give a tinker’s cuss about what this may do to Brooke Hanson’s training programme.  There is more at stake here than that.

Thursday, October 6, 2005

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2005