The Sweet Spot

Get the inside scoop on the week that was and the big issues facing sport World News Australia presenter Robert Grasso.

Put on the red light?

13 July 2009 | 7:56 - By Robert Grasso

No doubt about it.

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Logan Campbell of New Zealand (red) fights Sung Yu-Ch of Chinese Taipei at the Beijing Olympics. (Getty Images)

You know you’re hard up for cash when you turn to the world’s oldest profession to raise funds for your upcoming Olympic campaign.

At least that’s the case when it comes to Taekwondo Olympian, Logan Campbell of New Zealand.

The 23 year old’s decision to set up a “gentleman’s club” with a friend in Auckland unsurprisingly has been met with a round-house kick to the head by Taekwondo New Zealand.

Already the body has hinted Campbell’s unorthodox method of raising cash will be brought into account when the country’s team for the 2012 London Games is decided.

"Selection takes into account not just performance but also the athlete's ability to serve as an example to the youth of the country," said TNZ funding manager John Scholfield.

And here I was thinking loans and chocolate charity drives were the accepted fund raising avenues for Olympians missing the profile of a Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt.

Then again, Campbell hopes to earn $A242, 000 from his brothel by the time he launches his London bid in 2011.

That’s a lot of Caramello Koalas.

However in an era where the off-field behaviour of sportsmen and women continues to be dissected at length, only the most naïve of athletes would fail to concede such an action would be met with dire consequences.

Not according to Logan.

In fact, the Beijing Olympian has attempted to legitimise his new found profession.

"When people think of a pimp, they think of a guy standing around on a street corner with gold chains," Campbell was quoted as saying.

"Pimps are more tough-type guys — I'm an owner of an escort agency."

That may be so. But surely it’s a bad way?

Taekwondo New Zealand thinks so. And I’m guessing so too do the parents of aspiring Olympians.

Logan, don’t put it on.

 

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About this Blog

World News Australia's Robert Grasso analyses the week in sport. Follow @RobertGrasso

Robert Grasso Robert Grasso is an award-winning Senior Sports Journalist, Producer and Presenter for SBS World News Australia.

 
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