OLYMPIAN IS NO HERO

Re. Olympian Michael Phelps admitting using marijuana and apologizing
for doing so:

Phelps is an icon of sport, which encompasses fitness and
wellness.

The old adage, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on
me," applies here.

When Phelps was charged with impaired driving, he apologized,
promising to be a better role-model in the future, and was forgiven.

This recent incident with the marijuana shows that he is not, in fact,
committed to being a role model.

His apology is hollow and meaningless.

For my swimmers, I encourage truly admirable role models, such as Mike
Brown, Canadian Olympic breaststroker.

Brown has spent countless hours touring the province, speaking to
school children (including those in Stettler in 2006), encouraging
them to stay away from tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

He portrays the healthy image and sportsmanlike conduct that I want my
athletes to look up to.

Jana Brooke-Gray

Head coach Stettler Swim Club