Across the world, sportsmen and women are held as role models for younger generations. Many of these stars are admired both for their achievements in their fields and the impeccable character they exhibit, providing an important inspiration for young people. And then there are some who achieve in their chosen sport, but do not deserve to be role models. Two Australian Olympic swimmers, Nick D’Arcy and Kenrick Monk, have found themselves among this set.
Last week, both men were ordered by Swimming Australia to remove from Facebook a photo in which they posed brandishing guns. Media reports state that the photos, taken in a US gun shop during a recent training trip, showed Monk with two pump-action shotguns across his chest and D’Arcy holding two pistols.
The Australian Olympic Committee described the photo as “foolish and clearly inappropriate for members of the 2012 Australian Olympic team”. However, this is not the first time that these men, who many Australian children aspire to emulate, have been embroiled in controversy.
Indeed, in 2008 D’Arcy was convicted for assaulting a team-mate and received a one-year suspended sentence. And in 2011, Monk lied to police that he was struck by a car in an incident where we actually fell off a skateboard.
We believe D’Arcy and Monk’s actions are disgraceful and an embarrassment to Australians. We also urge the Australian Olympic Committee and other sporting bodies to do more to ensure that our sporting heroes live an unblemished life for the sake of our youth.
news@metroeireann.com
