The Greek Olympic Team has removed Voula Papachristou because of a racist Twitter comment she posted. The tweet is posted below and might be offensive to some:
“With so many Africans in Greece… At least the West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!”
On Wednesday of this week, Papachristou sent out an apology via Twitter in English.
“I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless joke I published on my personal” (cont)
The complete apology from Papachristou is below:
“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 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.”
The removal of the track and field athlete was confirmed by the Greek Olympic Committee in a statement. Papachristou was scheduled to compete in the triple jump at the London Olympics. The Greek Olympic Committee said that Papachristou was “placed outside the Olympic team for statements contrary to the values and ideas of the Olympic movement.”