Papachristou removed from Greece team

Voula Papachristou has been withdrawn from the Olympics
25 July 2012

A Greek athlete has been excluded from her country's Olympic team following a remark about African immigrants posted on her Twitter website.

The Hellenic Olympic Committee announced the decision despite an apology by the athlete, triple jumper Voula Papachristou.

In a statement on its website www.hoc.gr, the Hellenic Olympic Committee said: "Following the decision of the Hellenic Delegations' Administration Board, the triple jumper Paraskevi Papachristou, is suspended after her comments that go against to the values and ideals of Olympism.

"The athlete is not in London and was expected just before the beginning of the athletics events."

In a message published earlier on her Facebook site, Papachristou apologised for her remarks.

She wrote: "I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless joke I published on my personal Twitter account. I am very sorry and ashamed for the negative responses I triggered, since I never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights.

"My dream is connected to the Olympic Games and I could not possibly participate if I did not respect their values. Therefore, I could never believe in discrimination between human beings and races.

"I would like to apologize to all my friends and fellow athletes, who I may have insulted or shamed, the National Team, as well as the people and companies who support my athletic career. Finally, I would like to apologize to my coach and my family."

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