Over the years I have seen various tantrums and such at tournaments but the one thing that agravated me more than any other was the failure to report to the podium for awards and pictures. I understand when it is a time constraint situation but if you do not act accordingly due to a loss, however controversial, there are consequences! Please share this story with your young athletes.
IOC Statement on Mr Ara Abrahamian
The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee, meeting today in Beijing, has reached a decision, based upon the recommendations of the IOC Disciplinary Commission, in the case of Mr Ara Abrahamian.
Mr Abrahamian is a Swedish athlete who stepped down from the podium and laid his medal on the floor during the awards ceremony for the men’s Greco-Roman wrestling 84kg event. He had received one of two bronze medals awarded.
The IOC Disciplinary Commission consisted of three persons: Dr Thomas Bach (Chairman), Denis Oswald and Sergey Bubka. All three are Olympians with extensive experience of elite sport etiquette.
The IOC Executive Board decided that Mr Abrahamian, Sweden:
1. Is disqualified from the event of men’s Greco-Roman wrestling, 84kg.
2. Is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008.
3. Shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately cancelled and withdrawn.
The full text of the decision is available here:
IOC EB Decision regarding Mr Ara Abrahamian
###
IOC contacts in Beijing:
IOC Media Relations office: +8610 666 27 298
Emmanuelle Moreau - Media Relations Manager +86 158 1155 1830
Sandrine Tonge - Media Relations Coordinator +86 135 5217 5720
Last edited by Cokeley; 08/18/08 12:26 PM.
