August 14, 2004
Controversy spoils Opening Ceremony for Greeks
While the rest of use were watching the spectacular Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics from Athens, two Greek athletes, including one who was to light the Olympic Flame (left), were in hospital recovering from injuries they sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou were considered medal hopefuls and were hugely popular among ordinary Greeks. The pair missed a random doping test just hours before their accident. Missing a drug test is considered a high crime at the Olympics and is punishable by expulsion from the Games. The circumstantial evidence seems to suggest they were fleeing after skipping their tests.
While their fate is to be decided later today, Reuters is reporting the pair "will be withdrawn from the Games."
Whether this means the International Olympic Committee will kick them out or if Greek Olympic officials will pull them to avoid any more bad publicity remains to be seen. But for the average Greek sports fan the events of yesterday have left many with a sour taste in mouths. It is unfortunate two people were able to burst the bubble of Olympic enthusiasm that had gripped so many in Greece.
Posted by maxthecat at August 14, 2004 11:06 AM
http://www.maxsmewsings.com/mt/archives/2004/08/controversy_spoils_opening_ceremony_for_greeks.php