Tuesday, June 22, 2004
No win situation (unless he goes on to win perhaps)
From Stuff today: "The New Zealand Olympic Committee today defended its decision to select a boxer jailed in 1995 for killing his daughter, despite condemnation by women's groups."
But it is hard to see that the Olympic Committee had much of a choice, and when Barry Maister said that it was not the Olympic Committee's place to re-litigate cases, I think he was bang on.
The crimes that Pownceby is guilty of are reprehensible - but he has done his time, end of story. Sure we would like to think that all atheletes are going to be dream role models - but they are not always(insert your own Aussie League 'bonding session' headline here).
Boxing is a sport that requires a huge amount of dedication and stamina, sustained effort and discipline - maybe this guy has turned the corner and found something that makes him want to be a better person. A big 'maybe' - perhaps, but good on the Olympic Committee for giving him the chance.
