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Apology: Paraskevi Papachristou will not now head for London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, file)
London 2012

Greece Olympian Papachristou expelled for 'racist Tweet'

Triple jumper Voula Papachristou has paid the price for an ill-advised joke on the social media website.

A GREEK ATHLETE has been dropped from her country’s Olympic team following a derogatory remark about African immigrants she posted on Twitter.

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

The 23-year-old had written that “with so many Africans in Greece, at least the mosquitoes of West Nile will eat homemade food”.

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 page, 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.

Her coach Giorgos Pomaski said he respected the decision of the committee but considered it “very heavy for a cafeteria-type joke”.

“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 apologize to my coach and my family.”

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