Just when we thought they’d bunkered down in camp Australia, flying under the radar in their quest for Olympic glory, they hit the headlines again, but for all the wrong reasons.
Controversial swimmers Nick D’Arcy and Kenrick Monk face sanctions from the Australian Olympic Committee for posting photos on Facebook, showing the pair posing with guns.
D’Arcy and Monk had been in California, training and competing before next month’s London Olympics, when they visited a gunshop on a rare day off. They say it was a chance to have a bit of fun after finishing their swimming.
The swimmers have apologised for any offence the photo has caused, saying there was never any intention to cause harm.
Outspoken critics are calling for the pair to be axed from Australia’s swimming squad.
But, is all this hoo-ha an over-reaction? Absolutely, according to Robbie Katter, member for Mt Isa, and son of outspoken Federal MP, Bob Katter.
“It’s ridiculous that two Aussie Swimmers can been vilified for being photographed with legal firearms in the US.”
He says it’s a case of political correctness gone too far, and has taken away the right for boys to be boys.
Not surprisingly, his dad agrees.
“Will they finally be happy when men can only be photographed at a day spa carrying their designer Chihuahua in a designer Louis Vuitton doggy handbag?”
“It’s about time men stop being made to feel like they should apologise for being men.”
To that, I say, Amen.
But maybe the boys could be a little more careful with their privacy settings on facebook.
@johayesjourno