IOC slams Vancouver torchbearer choice

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The International Olympic Committee criticised Greek Olympic officials on Thursday for allowing a hurdler serving a doping ban take part in the Vancouver flame relay.

IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau said it was "inappropriate and a regrettable mistake" for Greek officials to let disgraced hurdler Fani Halkia carry the flame.

"It is clearly indicated in the guidelines applicable to the relay that the torchbearer selection should be in respect of the Olympic Charter and its principles," Moreau said in an email.

"For example, people who have had their Olympic Games accreditation removed and/or who have been found guilty of doping offences should not be permitted to run as a torchbearer."

Moreau said Greece's Olympic Committee, or HOC, was responsible for choosing torchbearers for the Greek leg of the relay for the Feb. 12-28 Winter Games.

"The IOC will contact the HOC on the matter," Moreau said.

HOC officials had no immediate comment.

Halkia was expelled from the 2008 Beijing Games after testing positive for the steroid methyltrienolone. She was banned for two years.

Late Wednesday, Halkia carried the Vancouver torch up to the entrance of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, where the flame spent the night before Thursday's handover ceremony to Canadian officials.

Halkia, who won a gold medal in the 400-metre hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, denies any wrongdoing. She suggested tampered diet supplements may be responsible for the failed doping tests.

Greek authorities have charged Halkia with steroid use, an offence that carries a penalty of two years in jail. The trial has been repeatedly postponed.

The Vancouver flame was lit Oct. 22 at Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Games.