Olympic gold medalist Chantelle Newbery is facing 19 new drug-related charges in Brisbane, Queensland, including possession of illicit substances, drug paraphernalia, stealing, and driving under the influence. Newbery, 49, also faces charges for driving without a license and possessing property linked to drug offenses. She appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody, with no plea yet entered.
Newbery, who won Australia's first Olympic diving gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games and was named the Australian Institute of Sport's 'Best of the Best' in 2006, has a criminal record dating back to 2014, predominantly involving drug offenses. Court records indicate she has had at least one court matter each month since August 2024.
Her legal troubles have included repeated shoplifting incidents, some involving drug paraphernalia. In one instance, she allegedly attempted to conceal an ice pipe in her sunglasses case. Her past charges also include unauthorized dealing with shop goods, breaching a domestic violence order, burglary, and unlawful use of a vehicle.
Newbery's struggles reportedly began after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She has spoken publicly about experiencing post-Olympic blues, depression, and suicidal thoughts, admitting to self-medicating and attempting suicide twice. She was previously cut from an addiction recovery program for failing to collect prescription medication for opioid addiction and has tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
Efforts to rehabilitate have been noted, with her lawyer, Robert Burns, previously stating that Newbery detested her drug-affected lifestyle and lacked the means to break free. He had held her Olympic medals and awards in his office for safekeeping, fearing they would be stolen by associates involved in drug use. In 2023, she was reportedly living with her niece in a granny flat and attempting to get her life back on track, though court documents from 2021 indicated she felt traditional support systems were unable to help her.
Newbery is scheduled to appear in court again on September 17.
