EvanL
06-23-2004, 12:42 PM
New Zealander served time in death of infant
Athens selection called 'shocking'
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's national Olympic committee yesterday defended its decision to send to the Athens Games a boxer convicted of killing his infant daughter.
Soulan Pownceby served four years in jail beginning in 1995 for the manslaughter of his 5-month-old child. Since his release, he has had seven more convictions, most recently for an assault on a woman four years ago.
Women's groups and organizations campaigning against domestic violence have denounced the light heavyweight's selection as New Zealand's sole boxing representative in Athens in August.
Women's Refuge, which provides safe houses and counselling to battered women and children, described Pownceby's selection as "shocking, shameful and appalling."
Prime Minister Helen Clarke urged Pownceby to "make a total public declaration of what he's done and talk about a resolve to absolutely put it behind him." Clarke was responding to questions suggesting Pownceby's latest conviction was more recent than 2000.
Pownceby told a TV show yesterday he was sorry for his actions. "I can only go forward, I can't change the past. ... I wish I could. Now I'm just trying to be the very best person I can be.''
In a similar case in the United States, synchronized swimmer Tammy Crow pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter in two deaths. She received a 90-day jail term but the judge postponed the sentence until October so she could go to Athens. U.S. Olympic officials said they could find no reason to bar her from competing.
New Zealand Olympic committee secretary-general Barry Maister said he thoroughly reviewed Pownceby's past before endorsing his nomination.
The New Zealand Boxing Association said it would stick by its decision following a conference call among members. Chairman Keith Walker has said Pownceby represented New Zealand three times and his behaviour was exemplary.
"There is no reason to doubt he won't once again perform in that way," Walker said.
Associated Press
Athens selection called 'shocking'
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's national Olympic committee yesterday defended its decision to send to the Athens Games a boxer convicted of killing his infant daughter.
Soulan Pownceby served four years in jail beginning in 1995 for the manslaughter of his 5-month-old child. Since his release, he has had seven more convictions, most recently for an assault on a woman four years ago.
Women's groups and organizations campaigning against domestic violence have denounced the light heavyweight's selection as New Zealand's sole boxing representative in Athens in August.
Women's Refuge, which provides safe houses and counselling to battered women and children, described Pownceby's selection as "shocking, shameful and appalling."
Prime Minister Helen Clarke urged Pownceby to "make a total public declaration of what he's done and talk about a resolve to absolutely put it behind him." Clarke was responding to questions suggesting Pownceby's latest conviction was more recent than 2000.
Pownceby told a TV show yesterday he was sorry for his actions. "I can only go forward, I can't change the past. ... I wish I could. Now I'm just trying to be the very best person I can be.''
In a similar case in the United States, synchronized swimmer Tammy Crow pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter in two deaths. She received a 90-day jail term but the judge postponed the sentence until October so she could go to Athens. U.S. Olympic officials said they could find no reason to bar her from competing.
New Zealand Olympic committee secretary-general Barry Maister said he thoroughly reviewed Pownceby's past before endorsing his nomination.
The New Zealand Boxing Association said it would stick by its decision following a conference call among members. Chairman Keith Walker has said Pownceby represented New Zealand three times and his behaviour was exemplary.
"There is no reason to doubt he won't once again perform in that way," Walker said.
Associated Press