Greek athlete banned over tweet

In a statement, Greece triple-jumper Voula Papachristou said:

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 apologise 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 apologise to my coach and my family.

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• Olympics
• Greece

Greek triple jump athlete Voula Papachristou, who had been part of Greece's delegation to the London Olympics, has been expelled from the team over a racist post on her Twitter account earlier this week, Greece newspaper Ekathimerini reports.

The athlete is said to have referred to the West Nile virus and immigrants in Greece.

• World
• Olympics
• Greece

Greece has expelled an Olympic athlete over comments made on social media that have been considered racist, according to reports.

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• Greece
• Olympics