In hot water again... star sw immer faces drink drive charge
HE was an emerging star of Scottish sport after winning Olympic and Commonwealth medals.
Dan Wallace’s story was one of hard work, talent and a supportive family who sold their home to keep his swimming career on track.
But the sportsman’s short time in the public eye has been blighted by embarrassing drink-fuelled incidents away from the pool – including being arrested for urinating on a police car in the US.
Now, the 24-year-old has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons again after he was arrested for alleged drink driving, resulting in a threemonth suspension from his sport.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist was charged after being stopped in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, on June 1.
Edinburgh-born Wallace, who won a silver at last year’s Rio Olympics, is due to appear at Stirling Sheriff Court next week.
However, he released a statement yesterday in which he apologised for his conduct.
British and Scottish Swimming called it ’clearly unacceptable behaviour’.
Following his suspension, Wallace signed a letter outlining his commitment to work with the necessary support systems and reaffirming his responsibility to the sport’s governing body and the University of Stirling as an athlete.
The swimmer said: ‘It is with much regret that I was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
‘Not only have I let myself, my family and team-mates down, I have put others at risk and I am profoundly sorry for my actions. I recognise that I am in a position of influence and this type of behaviour is not acceptable.
‘I am now looking to rebuild trust in everyone who has supported me and will do whatever it takes to come through this a stronger person. I am deeply sorry.’
In a joint statement, British Swimming national performance director Chris Spice and Scottish Swimming director of performance Ally Whike said: ‘We can confirm that Dan Wallace has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
‘This is clearly unacceptable behaviour from Dan and we are disappointed by his actions.
‘Dan has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of his mistake and is accepting of the consequences that must follow. Together, we will now support him through this difficult period to try to get this talented man back on track.’
It is the second time Wallace has been involved in a brush with the law. In 2014 he was arrested in Gainesville for urinating on a police car while he was training and studying anthropology at the University of Florida.
His parents, Derek and Tanya, had sold the family home to pay for his fees.
He was suspended from the uni- versity swimming team and the incident put his place in Team Scotland for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games at risk.
However, he went on to clinch gold in the men’s 400m individual medley at the Games.
He also won silver in the men’s 4 x 200m freestyle and the 200m individual medley.
At the time, he insisted he had put his party lifestyle behind him. He said: ‘I was kind of living the life of a rock star but still trying to perform in the pool and you can’t do both. I think I’ve learned from those experiences and it’s starting to pay off now.’
A Crown Office spokesman said: ‘I can confirm we have received a report for a 24-year-old man in relation to an alleged incident in Bridge of Allan on June 1.’
‘Profoundly sorry for my actions’