Australian Olympic diver tells her story to Channel Nine

Chantelle Newbery, was the first Australian Olympic diver to win gold in more than 80 years at the 2004 Athens Olympics. For most, her story was unknown, but in her interview with Channel Nine’s A current Affair, she revealed her ordeal after being charged with drug possession and how it affected her life.

Newbery pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court, Queensland, to possession of dangerous drugs and failing to properly dispose of syringes. Bags of methylamphetamine were found in her wallet and handbag. Although no conviction was recorded, the court case has taken a toll on the former athlete, who is suffering from depression, has broken up with her husband is currently facing being homeless.

During the interview with ACA, Chantelle admitted: “ I have experimented with a couple of things but I wouldn't say I was a drug user.", but also claimed that at the time she was found in possession of drugs by the police, the drug paraphernalia wasn’t hers and that it just happened to be in her home at that time. She also refused to name other people involved in the even on camera.

In the emotional conversation with Tracy Grimshaw, the gold medalist showed her  grief for the dead of her mother, her struggle with depression and also expressed her regrets for the court case: “I guess I just want to apologize for bringing the negative attention to the sport of diving, myself, my family, my kids, the Olympic Committee, everyone. I feel like I’ve let a lot of people down and I’ve disappointed a lot of people and there’s a lot of people that believe in me that I’ve thrown doubt in their mind now and I’m really sorry for that.”

By Janeth Taborda

Photo: ACA