Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting Pool after arrest
Former Olympian Denies Vandalizing Washington Reflecting Pool Following Arrest
Former Olympian denies vandalising Washington Reflecting - David "Davey" Hearn, a retired US Olympic athlete, has denied allegations that he damaged the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, after being detained by authorities. The 67-year-old was arrested on Friday while concluding a lengthy bicycle ride near the pool, according to reports. Hearn claimed he was merely touching a section of rubbery material that had loosened from the pool’s base when approached by US Park Police and National Guard officers.
Claim of Accidental Contact
Hearn told BBC News that he had removed his cycling glove to feel the material, which appeared to have "delaminated" from the pool’s surface. He insisted that no harm was done, stating the pool’s condition remained unchanged. "I didn’t destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part of the paint," he said, describing the arrest as "arbitrary and capricious."
"It’s pretty clear that somebody high up decided to make an example of me," Hearn remarked, adding that he was held for about five hours and not permitted to call anyone.
Pool’s Persistent Issues
The Reflecting Pool, a 2,030ft (619m) historic feature between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, has long struggled with structural problems. Recent efforts to refurbish it, including a $13m resealing and painting project, have not fully resolved issues like algae growth and paint peeling. Despite Trump’s promises of a "beautiful, beautiful reflecting pool" that would "stay clean," media and visitors have documented cracks in the new blue paint.
President Donald Trump highlighted the incident on Truth Social, accusing authorities of arresting "multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nation’s magnificent Reflecting Pool." He called the act a serious crime against national monuments and vowed immediate repairs. However, he later claimed vandals had "poured corrosive chemicals into the Pool" and suggested damage to the lawn involved "a knife or blade," without providing evidence.
Context and Motive
Hearn, a former world champion in slalom canoeing, also designs waterproof equipment. He said he was intrigued by the materials used in the pool’s recent repainting and had seen a news presenter touch the same area in a report. "I don’t really feel like I did anything wrong," he said, emphasizing the pool’s aesthetic value regardless of its water color.
A video of the arrest shows Hearn standing near a water-pumping hose on a path, speaking to a woman, and then being approached by National Guard troops. The footage captures him being placed in handcuffs, with US Park Police present. While the video hints at him moving the hose, Hearn denied this, suggesting his bike tire might have caused it.
Controversy Over Contracting
The pool’s condition has drawn repeated media attention, partly due to the Trump administration’s decision to award no-bid contracts for the renovation. Trump personally selected the "American Flag Blue" paint color, claiming the project would eliminate algae and restore the pool’s appearance. However, the latest complaints suggest the efforts have fallen short, fueling ongoing debates about the project’s management.