Former US Olympian David Hearn is back in the headlines after an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. The 67-year-old was arrested on June 19, 2026, and accused of damaging government property at the recently renovated landmark.
According to reports, authorities accused Hearn of vandalizing the pool, but he strongly denied the allegation, saying he only touched a loose piece of material that was already peeling inside the pool.
Hearn, a three-time Olympic Games participant in whitewater slalom canoeing, explained that he was riding his bicycle near the memorial when he noticed part of the liner floating in the water and reached toward it before officers approached him.
The arrest came during growing concerns over the condition of the Reflecting Pool, which recently underwent a $14.8 million restoration project.
Hearn was reportedly held for nearly five hours before being released and is scheduled to appear in DC Superior Court on July 9 on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.
Here are five things to know about US Olympian David Hearn:
1. David Hearn represented the United States in whitewater slalom canoeing at three Olympic Games: 1992, 1996, and 2000.
2. He won gold medals at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 1985 and 1995, making him one of the most successful American canoeists of his era.
3. Hearn also earned five silver medals at the World Championships during his international career.
4. In 1995, he was named USA Canoe/Kayak Male Athlete of the Year for his achievements in the sport.
5. The Maryland resident has remained connected to the canoeing community long after retiring from Olympic competition.
