Olympic boss slams Jones attack
Nick Green has hit back at the “disgraceful” criticism of Leisel Jones’ weight ahead of her fourth Olympics Games campaign.
Australia’s Chef de Mission joined a chorus of support for the swimmer after a eastern states-based website ran a poll asking readers to vote on whether they thought she was fit enough to compete.
Jones was pictured on the website at a training session at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in London alongside a photograph of her looking slimmer at the 2008 Beijing Games.
“I think they are disgraceful, to be honest,” Green fumed. “I’m disappointed with the article and I think they’re extremely unfair on Leisel Jones and the work she’s done for this country at this level.
“She’s a triple Olympic gold medallist, a winner of eight medals for this country and I think she deserves a lot more respect than she was given.
“I’m pleased that there’s been unanimous support for Leisel Jones by her fellow competitors (and) by other athletes. I’ve seen comments from Cathy Freeman, Giaan Rooney, Libby Tricket.
“I think it’s just unfair that she’s been targeted in this way on the eve of what for her is historic competition – a fourth Olympic Games.”
Jones was a gold medal winner in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m medley in Beijing and had also claimed medley gold four years earlier in Athens.
Green was also today dealing with yet another athletics issue after it emerged sprinter Josh Ross, who will compete in the 4x100m, was threatening to abandon his Games campaign.
Hot on the heels of controversial 400m runner John Steffensen’s recent complaints about apparently being overlooked for an individual spot, Ross was wondering why he had not been nominated in the 100m.
“I'll actually be happy to pull out if I don't get answers,” Ross said.
Green said he was aware of Ross’ concerns only from newspaper reports but had a strong message for the sprinter.
“There’s been no official complaint lodged with the Australian Olympic Committee,” Green said.
“What I’ll say is that it’s an absolute honour to represent this country at the Games. If any athlete feels they don’t want to be part of this team and the honour of representing this country then I’ll have that conversation with them.
“My suggestion would be that you get into the village, you put your head down and your bum up and you just concentrate on your job and that is to run and compete for this country.”
Ross ran a B-qualifying time of 10.23 seconds this year and should be eligible to run in the 100m but Athletics Australia have not nominated him for the event.
