 Motivational ... Ukrainian swim coach Mihail Zubkov was questioned by Victoria Police last night over an alleged assault / Picture: Fiona Hamilton |
- Victoria Police question Ukrainian coach
- Camera captures seven minutes of fight footage
- Police concerned for welfare of teenage swimmer
POLICE have questioned the young swimmer attacked by her coach in sickening scenes at the FINA World Swimming Championships, but there is no word yet on whether he will face charges.
The shocking images of the Ukrainian official hitting the teenager - his daughter - were caught on video.
Mihail Zubkov is seen remonstrating with 19-year-old Kateryna in the marshalling area of Melbourne`s Susie O`Neill pool before throwing a punch at her.
He had initially grabbed her white towel, then tussled with her over it, before striking her several times.
Terrified Kateryna fends her father off before landing blows herself.
Zubkov then tries to console his daughter, who can be seen crying and shaking as she grabs her bag and tries to escape.
Zubkov was last night led away for questioning by police who had earlier reviewed footage of the incident, captured by a stationary TV camera in a restricted area.
Kateryna, who competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2005 world titles, is to compete in heat eight of the 50m backstroke today.
The teenager, who did not require medical treatment, was being interviewed by police last night.
A Victoria Police spokesman would only say this morning that investigations were continuing.
Police Inspector Rick Nugent said yesteday officers were concerned for the welfare of the girl.
"It`s distressing vision," he said. "She is with police and she is well."
No decision had been made about withdrawing the coach`s visa, Insp Nugent added.
Melbourne 2007 chief executive Michael Scott said the incident was unacceptable and that the coach`s championship accreditation had been withdrawn.
"It`s a very serious matter and we acted immediately on the individual involved," Mr Scott said.
The fight happened at 5.55pm, minutes before last night`s finals session started. Footage of the scuffle lasted seven minutes.
Melbourne 2007 spokesman Damian Glass said he could not comment. "It`s now a police matter," he said.
Officials for the Ukrainian team - which has 25 swimmers and five coaches in Melbourne for the championships - could not be contacted.
Australian champion Libby Lenton described the scenes as "incredible circumstances".
"I don`t really understand what has happened," she said. "It`s unfortunate and something you don`t like to see in any sport."
Last night`s incident was the third at the titles involving swimmers from former Soviet Union countries.
Russian diving coach Vladimir Rulev faces charges of indecently and unlawfully assaulting a female security guard at a city hotel.
And 14-year-old Russian swimmer Vitalina Simonova was arrested last week for stealing $70 worth of cosmetics and clothes. She was let off with a caution.
With The Daily Telegraph
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