News
Voula Papachristou Expelled From London Olympics Over Racial Joke
Track star Voula Papachristou will no longer be competing for Greece in the London Olympics due to a recent Twitter post in which she joked about African immigrants and the West Nile virus. Greece’s Olympic Committee announced Papachristou expulsion Wednesday saying the 23-year-old has been "placed outside the Olympic team for statements contrary to the values and ideas of the Olympic movement.”
Papachristou, who was set to compete in the triple jump, posted the unfortunate tweet on Monday. “With so many Africans in Greece… At least the West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!” she wrote.
The athlete apologized early Wednesday in a statement posted on TwitLonger. “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,” Papachristou said.
“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,” she added. “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.”
Papachristou’s coach George Pomaski said the tweet did not warrant an expulsion from the games. "This is a big disappointment not only for her but for her family and for myself, and anyone involved in the Greek team," he said.
Although the opening ceremony is not until Friday, the London Olympics kicked off Wednesday with women’s soccer.
###
Click here for more Sports News
More News
NBA Finals 2019 Schedule Start This Thursday Toronto Raptors Hosting Defending Champions Golden State Warriors
NBA Finals 2019 Schedule Start This Thursday Toronto Raptors Hosting Defending Champions Golden State Warriors
Released On: 5/28/2019
Views: 2394
Fight of the Century: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will shatter boxing records
Released On: 4/27/2015
Views: 7724
How will Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament wrap up? Here are the picks and previews of the days last four games.
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 5986
NCAA Tournament Picks, Oklahoma, Iowa, Duke and Oregon will move on to the Round of 32
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 4590
Friday's Picks for Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament March Madness
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 4607
The Second Half of Thursday's NCAA Games had everything you could want in March Madness
Released On: 3/20/2015
Views: 5259
Upsets, Buzzer Beaters, Dunks, Alley Oops...March Madness is here!
Released On: 3/19/2015
Views: 3872
A Monday Night in Lambeau Replicates the story of the Atlanta Falcons Season
Released On: 12/9/2014
Views: 5203
LeBron James Expresses His Views on Eric Garner with "I Can't Breathe" Shirt During Warm-ups
Released On: 12/9/2014
Views: 5454
The College Football Playoff Is Set. Did the Committee Get It Right?
Released On: 12/8/2014
Views: 5403
The College Football Playoff Teams Is Close to Being Final With The Release of New Poll
Released On: 12/3/2014
Views: 4190
Buffalo Bills Fans Circle the Wagons for Former Player Darryl Talley
Released On: 12/2/2014
Views: 4866
Monday Night Football Recap: AFC East Showdown Between Jets and Dolphins
Released On: 12/2/2014
Views: 5363
Ray Rice Wins Appeal of Indefinite Suspension, Adrian Peterson Will Soon Learn Fate
Released On: 12/1/2014
Views: 5140
Australian Cricketer Phillip Hughes Suffers Tragic Death After Being Struck By Bouncer
Released On: 12/1/2014
Views: 5069
