Duo's Olympic ban for the good of the team: Green

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This was published 11 years ago

Duo's Olympic ban for the good of the team: Green

By Samantha Lane

UNAPOLOGETIC for his sanctioning of Nick D'Arcy and Kenrick Monk, Australia's new chef de mission, Nick Green, has confessed he agonised over the toughest decision of his tenure but is adamant D'Arcy remains a worthy team member.

Facing backlash from critics arguing the national butterfly champion never deserved to be welcomed back after his assault of Simon Cowley, the Australian Olympic Committee is also being accused of overreacting to the Monk-D'Arcy weapons photo saga by ordering the pair home from London early.

Australia's chef de mission Nick Green.

Australia's chef de mission Nick Green.Credit: Michelle Smith

But Green told The Age yesterday he does not care if the sanction he devised was unpopular - with athletes or the public - given both trouble-prone swimmers defied the clear guidance he gave them on their responsibilities. "It has been the toughest decision to date … I spent many, many hours thinking about it," said Green, the dual Olympic champion rower.

"I was particularly disappointed - and I've said this to both Nick and Kenrick - when I saw the photos first-hand, because I thought they'd know better. It was just dumb."

Even before the photo furore, D'Arcy's position in the team was a divisive topic. But Green remains resolute that the swimmer had served his penance for the assault.

"His past is his past. He has to live with that personally. But he was eligible for this Olympic team," Green said. "I'm a big believer that in every walk of life you should have the chance of a second chance.''

Denying the AOC was having a bob each-way by allowing the swimmers to win medals for Australia but forbidding them the opportunity to enjoy a full Olympic experience, Green said he welcomed the public debate about his verdict.

Asked why Monk would be issued with the same punishment as D'Arcy given he has no criminal history - though he did fabricate a story to police about a road accident - Green said: "Both these athletes have had some indiscretions and both have shown … lack of judgment.

"It's not only for them, but for the team, the other 400 athletes … we have a low tolerance for matters that are going to bring the Olympic movement into disrepute."

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