NSW: Swim mum angry at old sex allegations against Buck

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2009
NSW: Swim mum angry at old sex allegations against Buck

SYDNEY, Dec 7 AAP - The mother of two children trained by legendary swim coach Terry
Buck has rubbished claims he abused a number of elite Australian swimmers.

A former Australian swim team captain and Olympic medallist has spoken out about an
abandoned police investigation into allegations he had been abused by Buck, who died in
a tractor accident in 2005.

An investigation into the allegations was dropped in 2001, but the swimmer is now calling
for it be re-opened, saying he was unhappy with how police handled the matter.

News Ltd says the swimmer was targeted by Buck as an 11 year-old at Clovelly Surf Club
and the abuse lasted seven years.

Police began investigating the allegations in 1998, with the swimmer handing investigators
a list of 29 other alleged victims, including four Olympic swimmers.

One was a celebrated gold medallist, and two surfing champions were on the list, News Ltd said.

Strike Force Solano spent five months investigating the allegations after the Sydney
Olympic Games, but the case was dropped in early 2001 because of insufficient evidence.

Monday's News Ltd report triggered an angry response from one woman, who said Buck
had coached her daughter and son.

"He coached my daughter when she was very young right up until she was in her late
teens. He coached my son," Kathleen told Fairfax Radio Network.

"They'd all been away with him for many many years, on trips away, in rooms by themselves,
and I can assure you nothing went on.

"My daughter is distraught to think that they could say these things about Terry Buck,
especially now that he is deceased."

Kathleen said she "wouldn't believe a word" the whistleblower said, claiming he was
motivated by money.

"I can see dollar signs," she said of the swimmer, whom she knows.

"It is very hard now for Terry, who is deceased, to fight the case.

"I would like to see all his swimmers that absolutely adored Terry, and still do, all
go up against this person and see how they go."

Inspector Peter Yeomans, who headed the investigation into the claims, said a number
of alleged victims had refused to co-operate with police.

"In this matter, some of those interviewed simply did not want to give any information
or be involved in the investigation as witness or possible victim," Insp Yeomans said
in a statement.

"Generally, it is a highly personal decision for anyone to pursue criminal charges
against whose who have sexually assaulted them, whether historically or recently.

"Many prefer to deal with it through other courses of action, such as counselling.

Others do not want to relive the trauma at all."

Swimming Australia chief executive Kevin Neil told News Ltd the organisation had no
record of the police investigation, but said it would co-operate if it were to be re-opened.

Mr Neil is due to talk to the media in Canberra early on Monday afternoon.

Comment is being sought from NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione.

AAP ab/wjf/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: SWIM UPDATE

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