Bankruptcy ignored - Swimming Australia keeps Nick D’Arcy in the potential squad for London Olympics
The Australian Olympic team Chef de Mission, Nick Green has confirmed that Swimming Australia has thoroughly considered the issue of Nick D’Arcy’s bankruptcy and has decided to keep Nick D’Arcy in the list of potential candidates, who can qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
“Swimming Australia has clearly considered Nick D'Arcy's bankruptcy and advised the AOC they have not changed their endorsement of Nick D'Arcy's shadow team membership,” said Green.
Despite of being an incredible butterfly swimmer, D’Arcy, who is the most controversial swimmer of Australia, failed to represent his country at the higher levels of swimming.
D’Arcy assaulted the three-time Commonwealth specialist and former Australian swimmer, Simon Cowley in 2008 and as a result, he was eliminated from the Australian team en-routed to participate at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
From that time, the 24-year-old D’Arcy has just competed at the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, where he accomplished a silver medal in the 200m butterfly.
Last year, Cowley prosecuted D’Arcy to pay $180,000 as damages but the Australian filed for bankruptcy, asserting that he would not be able to pay the compensation.
It was deemed that D’Arcy’s bankruptcy would come in the way of his London qualification dream, but the recent statement of Green unveiled that Swimming Australia has no intention of dropping the talented swimmer, if he qualifies.
“The Australian Olympic Committee is pleased to note Swimming Australia's response that they have now considered the matter of their endorsement of Nick D'Arcy's membership of the shadow team. Swimming Australia has also confirmed that it has responded directly to Simon Cowley,” Green added.
The SA officials did not provide much explanation of their decision but confirmed that D’Arcy will be given a free and fair chance to qualify for the London Games. If proves his qualification, London Olympics will be D’Arcy’s first mega event.
The 24-year-old has only three weeks left to complete his preparations as the Australian Selection Trials for the 2012 London Games are starting from March 15 at the South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide. Furthermore, his coach, Michael Bohl is confident that D’Arcy will thrash his rivals and ensure his berth to London.
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