Filed under: Festivals and Events, Europe, United Kingdom, Internet Tools, NewsJuly 27 will mark the first day of the Olympic Games, and participating athletes are certainly excited. Many are even taking to social media to express their feelings and, while mostly positive, some are having a bit of trouble watching what they say.
This was the case for Greek triple jumper and track and field athlete Voula Papachristou, who tweeted a racist comment in her native language about African immigrants. According to Digital Trends, the tweet translated to, "With so many Africans in Greece ... At least the West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!"
After followers criticized the remark and called it insensitive, Papachristou deleted the comment and apologized on her Facebook page, saying she was "very sorry and ashamed" and "never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights."
Unfortunately, the apology was not accepted, at least not by Olympic's officials, and the athlete has been banned from competing.
Papachristou's coach, George Pomaski, does not agree with the punishment, stating, "It's too much, the penalty should not have been so strict. She has already apologized for her remarks. This is a big disappointment not only for her but for her family and for myself, and anyone involved in the Greek team."
Do you think Papachristou's punishment was too harsh?Olympic Athlete Kicked Out Of Olympics After Racist Tweet originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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