Olympian’s medal theft heartbreak
A CHAMPION Australian swimmer has been shattered by the theft of 100 of his medals, which he fears has robbed him of memorabilia he wanted to share with his young children.
Retired breaststroker Brenton Rickard who won medals at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, discovered a box of his medals had been stolen from his house at Bundall.
The house was being renovated into a family home to share with his wife and two young children and was not occupied at the time of the break-in.
“They’ve broken in at the end of last week, I think they stole an old TV and surfboard and other bits and pieces but they took a box of medals from my career,” Mr Rickard, 36, said.
“It’s frustrating. They (the medals) don’t hold any monetary value but a lot of sentimental value.
“My most precious medals weren’t in the box, but we’re still talking five Commonwealth Games medals, silver and bronze medals from world championships, Pan Pacs and world cups and national medals. One hundred medals in total from my domestic and international career stolen.”
Mr Rickard’s wife Kata was visiting the property with an electrician when she noticed objects had been moved around.
Mr Rickard said he’s not looking to pursue the perpetrators with any criminal charges if the medals are returned safely.
“The police have been doing great but unfortunately we don’t have a lot of leads,” he said.
“We’re just trying to get the word out there that if they’re the perpetrators, just give them back, no questions asked. If anyone hears someone trying to sell or get their hands on some old swimming medals, let the police know.”
Mr Rickard said the burglary was more “disappointing than anything”.
“They’re valuable to me because they’re a reflection of the work I did and success I had in the pool. To anyone else it doesn’t mean anything,” Mr Rickard said.
“Why take that away from me? I’ve got two young kids. Hopefully when they’re old enough to understand I could show them my medals and the places I swam. I feel a little bit empty that I’m not going to have that opportunity now.”
A Queensland Police media spokesman said the break and enter was suspected to have occurred on May 6 with a report filed on May 13. Investigations were continuing into the matter.
People with information on the stolen medals or the incident are urged to phone Police Link on 131 444 or speak anonymously on 1800 333 000.