The case of Naoya Tomita, the Japanese swimmer who stole a camera from a South Korean journalist at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, came to a close with Tomita being ordered to pay a One million Won fine (approximately $1000 US) and being allowed to leave South Korea.
No further action will be taken by local police in Incheon, but it’s likely that Tomita will have an onslaught of problems upon his return to Japan.
The former World Champion who placed fourth in the 100m breaststroke stole a South Korean journalist’s camera on the pool deck, and was immediately kicked out of the athlete’s village and taken off the Japanese roster following video evidence of the crime.
While the case was being taken care of, Tomita stayed in Incheon under the surveillance of the Japanese Olympic committee.
In the trial, Tomita admitted to the camera theft and accepted the fine, however when he returns to Japan he will most likely receive strict punishment by the Japanese Swimming Federation. Already he’s losing endorsement deals as Descente LTD, the Japanese manufacturer of Arena swimwear, suspended their contract with Tomita and stated that they will make a full decision on his contract in a months time.
The Japanese Olympic Committee will come to a decision as to whether or not Tomita’s results should be stripped from the 2014 Asian Games. The Japanese Swimming Federation director, Masafumi Izumi, has been reported saying that Tomita’s crime will be dealt with severely.
