Queensland’s Police angry over Kenrick Monk for wasting their time – Swimming Update
Queensland’s Police Department is angry over Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Kenrick Monk, who wasted their time by telling a lie about his hit-and-run accident.
The 23-year-old Monk, who fell-off his skateboard while going to his training camp on Wednesday, told police personnel that he was riding his pushbike when a driver intentionally hit him with his car and ran away.
The news of hit-and-run spread like a fire everywhere because Monk is one of the vital swimmers of Australian squad and has helped the nation to earn a gold finish in many relay events.
Initially, he was a part of the Australian 4*100m and 4*200m freestyle relay teams, which won bronze medal at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships. Then, the Australian 4*100m Medley team won a gold medal at the 2007 World Championships, with Monk’s help.
Recently, he represented Australia at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, where he won gold in 4*200m freestyle relay and a silver medal in the 200m freestyle.
Nevertheless, Monk corrected his false statement of hit-and-run after a witness, who saw him fall off his skateboard, testified to police. Monk confessed his lie and justified himself by articulating that he was ashamed of falling off the skateboard as even
a 10-year-old child can keep his balance.
President of Queensland Police Union, Ian Leavers criticised Monk by saying, “Mr Monk may say he was under extreme pressure, however, that does not excuse him thinking it is alright to make false statements to police and waste their time, as he in turn unfairly
casts doubt over all those people who make legitimate complaints to police every day.”
Leavers added, “Perhaps Mr Monk should take up children's story book writing and leave swimming and skateboarding behind.”
Monk is likely to be charged for being dishonest with the police and wasting their time, which may cost him a fine of $10,000. The freestyle specialist has jeopardised his Olympic Selection, as Swimming Australia will decide his fate for the 2012 London
Olympics. Furthermore, Monk will stay out of pool for six to eight weeks, which is a lot for an athlete, who seeks to confirm his spot for the important event in London.
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