BEIJING,CHINA (RUSHPRNEWS) August 16, 2008— The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee, meeting today in Beijing, has reached a decision, based upon the recommendations of the IOC Disciplinary Commission, in the case of Mr Ara Abrahamian.
Mr Abrahamian is a Swedish athlete who stepped down from the podium and laid his medal on the floor during the awards ceremony for the men’s Greco-Roman wrestling 84kg event.
He had received one of two bronze medals awarded.
The IOC Disciplinary Commission consisted of three persons: Dr Thomas Bach (Chairman), Denis Oswald and Sergey Bubka. All three are Olympians with extensive experience of elite sport etiquette.
The IOC Executive Board decided that Mr Abrahamian, Sweden:
1. Is disqualified from the event of men’s Greco-Roman wrestling, 84kg.
2. Is excluded from the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008.
3. Shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately cancelled and withdrawn.
The full text of the decision is available here:
IOC EB Decision regarding Mr Ara Abrahamian.
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Emmanuelle Moreau – Media Relations Manager +86 158 1155 1830
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