Edmonton Sun, Canada
Aug 17 2008

Swedish wrestler stripped of medal

BEIJING — A Swedish wrestler was disqualified and stripped of his
bronze medal yesterday for dropping his medal in protest after a
disputed loss at the Beijing Olympics.

Ara Abrahamian was punished by the International Olympic Committee for
violating the spirit of fair play during the medal ceremony, becoming
the fourth athlete kicked out of the Games and bringing the number of
medals removed so far to three.

The 28-year-old Abrahamian became incensed when a disputed penalty
call decided his semifinal match against Italian Andrea Minguzzi, who
went on to win the gold medal in the Greco-Roman 84-kilogram division
on Thursday.

During the medal ceremony, the Armenian-born Abrahamian took the
bronze from around his neck and angrily dropped it on the mat as he
walked away. He did not take part in the rest of the medal ceremony.

COURTING ETIQUETTE

BEIJING — Chinese state media appealed to fans to stop cheering
inappropriately at tennis matches, urging them to present a good image
to the world.

Enthusiastic Chinese fans have often clapped at wrong moments during
Olympics tennis matches, including during rallies, breaking with the
usual etiquette with which tennis is watched.

Some players have said it was affecting their concentration.

RACES BLOWN AWAY

QINGDAO, China — A showdown between British star Ben Ainslie and
American Zach Railey in the first ever medal race in Olympic sailing
was postponed by a day after winds failed the racers in the Finn
class.

Yesterday’s fickle winds also prevented a British-Dutch battle for
gold in the women’s Yngling class.

That means three medal races are scheduled for today, including the
49er skiffs, where Denmark had the lead after 12 races over Italy and
Spain.