Former US Olympian canoeist pleads not guilty to Reflecting Pool vandalism

A former United States Olympian in canoe sprint has publicly refuted allegations that he intentionally damaged the newly installed lining of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The accusations surfaced after workers discovered a series of punctures and tears in the pool’s waterproof membrane during routine inspections following the recent refurbishment, which was completed in early June. The former athlete, identified as former Olympian Michael “Mike” Collins, was reportedly on the grounds conducting a private training session when the damage was noted, prompting officials from the National Park Service to launch an inquiry.

Collins, who competed in the 2008 and 2012 Games, issued a statement through his attorney asserting that any contact he had with the pool was inadvertent and that he had no motive to sabotage the structure. Park Service investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the damage, while the agency has not ruled out other possibilities, including equipment malfunction or third‑party interference. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say the pool will be repaired once the source of the breach is confirmed.