Kostas Kenteris, the under-fire Greek sprinter who was forced to withdraw from the Olympics, has declared himself “disgusted” by the doping accusations that have been levelled against him.
Kenteris should have been competing in the 200metres final at the Olympic Stadium last night but instead watched the race on TV at home after withdrawing from the Games amid allegations that he has avoided a series of drugs tests.
The saga has dominated coverage of the Olympics and the Greek public made their feelings known with an ear-splitting vocal demonstration on Kenteris’ behalf, which forced Games organisers to delay the 200m by five minutes.
There were chants of ‘Hellas! Hellas!’ and constant whistling and booing.
American Shawn Crawford eventually won the race, which also did not go down well with the hostile Greek crowd. Many Greeks feel their athletes have been victimised and that United States athletes have not been subject to the same scrutiny by anti-doping officials
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Kenteris said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity and, while the IAAF yesterday confirmed they had launched a review into his case, the 31-year-old is adamant his name will be cleared.
“When I heard all these people - the thousands of people - shout my name, it was the most beautiful thing I have heard in recent years,” said Kenteris, who is actually free to compete once the Games are over.
“I feel that I have done nothing wrong and that many people have come out and accused me in public.”
Speaking on Greek TV channel Mytilini, he added: “I feel disgusted for what they have said about me.
“Yesterday’s expression of love gives me the strength and courage to fight in these difficult times.”
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Kenteris, the former Olympic champion, was forced to his withdrawal from the Games to avoid the humiliation of being thrown out after he failed to appear for a random drugs test on the night before the opening ceremony.