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Swimming Coach Charged With Sexual Assault


THE coach of Australian Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Brooke Hanson has been charged with a series of sexual assaults, including the rape of a 14-year-old boy.
Mark Thompson, who was named Victorian Coach of the Year in July, appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday for a file hearing in relation to the charges.
He is accused of several counts of sexual assault dating back to 1998, including one count of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and one count of engaging in an indecent act with a child under 16.
Mr Thompson was not required to enter a plea and refused to comment outside court.
Hanson, who won an individual silver medal and a relay gold medal at Athens last year, has been coached by Mr Thompson for several years.
She also refused to comment last night.
Mr Thompson, who was a member of the Australian swimming coaching squad at the Athens Olympics, is the head coach at Nunawading Swimming Club in Melbourne's east.
Last night a club spokesman said Mr Thompson had taken leave from the head coaching position indefinitely.
Former Australian swimmer Nicole Livingstone told Channel 9 the allegations would "send shockwaves" through the swimming world.
Mr Thompson was well liked within the Australian team, often acting as an unofficial "morale booster and amateur psychologist" for team members, Livingstone said.
The allegations come just three years after sexual assault claims were made against head swimming coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport, Scott Volkers.
The charges against Mr Volkers were later dropped.
Mr Thompson will reappear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in January.



The Australian (6-10-2005)
James Madden




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