The Week That Was: Arizona Swimming Receives Two Year Probation

ArizonaDiving
Photo Courtesy: University of Arizona Athletics

This week one of the premier Division I NCAA teams received a suspension after an investigation revealed multiple recruiting violations from former coaches. Catch up on that story, more developments in the latest Sun Yang drama, in the week that was!

The Week That Was #5 – Nathan Adrian Undergoes Successful Surgery

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Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant

Olympian Nathan Adrian, who last week revealed he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, had successful lymph node surgery this week as part of his continuing treatment. The gold medalist underwent a  Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection procedure, which involved the removal of some potentially cancerous lymph nodes with the help of a robot. Adrian documented his recovery on his social media accounts, writing that he is “Going to do everything we can to get back to normal life as quickly as possible.”

The Week That Was #4 – Former Carmel Coach Sentenced To 16 Years In Jail

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Photo Courtesy: Andy Ross

John Goelz was sentenced to at least 16 years in prison after admitting to possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor in federal court this week. The former assistant coach for Carmel High School and Carmel Swim Club had initially been charged back in July after investigators learned of his sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Goelz, who is 30-years-old, was soon after fired from both the club and the swim club. He had started as a volunteer coach with the programs back in 2015.

The Week That Was #3 – Paralympian Benoit Huot Announces Retirement

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Photo Courtesy: Scott Grant/Swimming Canada

After more than two decades of Para-swimming, Benoit Huot announced his retirement from the sport this week.  A member of the Canadian National Para Swimming Team since 1998, he is one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes with 20 medals won at five Paralympic Games. Huot also claimed 32 medals at six world championships while shattering more than 60 world records in his category. Huot will retire still holding 6 Canadian national records. You can hear more reflections on Huot’s career and contributions to Para-swimming here.

The Week That Was #2 – Chinese Swimming Backs Sun Yang, FINA Comments

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Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA

After an explosive report last week from The Sunday Times alleged that Chinese Olympic gold medalist Sun Yang may face a lifetime ban after destroying a sealed vial of blood during an out-of-competition drug test, both the Chinese Swimming Association (CSA) and FINA weighed in on the matter. FINA and the CSA both maintain that Sun did not commit a doping violation, with FINA stating they will no longer comment on the matter after ruling in favor of Sun during a 13-hour hearing in early January. The CSA released a statement citing FINA’s ruling in favor of Sun and detailing his compliance with FINA. Sun himself has threatened legal action against the Times. No party has directly addressed the allegation of Sun destroying the vial of blood with a hammer during the drug test.

The Week That Was #1 – Arizona Swimming & Diving Put On Two Years Probation

ArizonaDiving

Photo Courtesy: University of Arizona Athletics

The University of Arizona swimming and diving program has been placed on probation for two years by the NCAA and lost one scholarship after a recent investigation conducted by the NCAA found multiple recruiting violations by former diving coach Omar Ojeda. The NCAA said former head swim coach Rick DeMont knew of Ojeda’s activities and failed to act, news outlets reported. DeMont retired after the 2017 season and Ojeda’s contract was not renewed in 2018, shortly before Arizona self-reported these violations. Ojeda was also given a one-year “show-cause” order, meaning any NCAA school that employs him must restrict him from any athletic duties, according to NCAA rules. Arizona also suspended on-campus recruiting for three weeks in December, instituted a self-imposed ban on unofficial visits during that time, reduced the number of swimming and diving visits by five and paid a $5,000 fine. You can read the full details of the story surrounding the suspension here.

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