5 Olympians on the Wrong Side of the Law

While many U.S. Olympians are celebrated for their achievements and dedication, some have faced serious legal issues outside of competition. Here are five U.S. Olympians whose actions led to significant legal consequences.

1. Michael Phelps

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, has amassed 28 Olympic^® medals, including 23 golds, over nearly two decades of competition from 2000 to 2016. Despite his success, Phelps struggled privately with alcohol. In 2004, he was arrested for DUI in Maryland and received 18 months probation. A decade later, in 2014, he was arrested again for DUI, this time with a blood alcohol level of .14. Phelps again received probation and sought therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for his issues.

2. Paul Hamm

At the 2004 Olympics^®, Hamm made history by becoming the first American to win the men's gymnastics all-around, sharing the spotlight with his twin brother Morgan, who also competed. In 2011, Hamm garnered negative attention when, after a night out in Columbus, Ohio, he refused to pay a cab fare, became violent, and assaulted the driver, Abdinasir Elmi. Hamm, who admitted to drinking heavily, also threatened the police officers who arrived on the scene. He ultimately pleaded no contest to the charges and was placed on probation.

3. Tonya Harding

Harding's practice sessions at Clackamas Town Center, in preparation for the 1994 Winter Olympics, were attended by thousands of spectators and dozens of reporters and film crews. Photo by Andrew Parodi.

In 1994, Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, orchestrated an attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan. Harding and Kerrigan had a long-standing rivalry, having both competed in the 1992 Olympics. The attack aimed to prevent Kerrigan from participating in the 1994 Winter Olympics. Despite her injury, Kerrigan went on to win a silver medal at those Games. Harding, who was arrested and pleaded guilty to hindering the investigation, was banned for life from U.S. figure skating and stripped of her 1994 U.S. Championship title. In the year 2000, Harding was arrested again in Camas, Washington, for allegedly throwing a hubcap at her live-in boyfriend and repeatedly punching him in the face, resulting in fourth-degree domestic violence assault charges.

4. Riddick Bowe

Bowe, a renowned heavyweight boxing champion with a 43-1 record and a 1988 Olympic silver medalist, committed a shocking crime in 1998 when he kidnapped his estranged wife, Judy, and their five children at knifepoint. During the trial, it was revealed that brain damage from his boxing career had impaired his judgment. In 2000, Bowe was sentenced to 30 days in federal prison, six months of house arrest, four years of probation, and required medical treatment for his brain injuries.

5. Doug Northway

Northway, a three-time Olympian and bronze medalist in the 1972 Munich Olympics, became a pastor and swim teacher after retiring from competition. In 1995, he was convicted of attempted child molestation after a 9-year-old student accused him of inappropriate behavior, resulting in a four-month prison sentence, lifetime probation, and a requirement to register as a sex offender.

These stories highlight the stark contrast between the glory of the Olympic podium and the personal challenges that some athletes face. Despite their achievements, these Olympians remind us that fame and success do not always shield one from legal and personal troubles.

References: OLYMPIANS WHO COMMITTED AWFUL CRIMES | Tonya Harding | Tonya Harding Arrested in Domestic Assault