Olympics: Australian John Steffenson alleges race slur

Published on 16/07/2012 01:32

AUSTRALIAN track athlete John Steffensen has threatened to boycott the Olympics after alleging racism because he was not selected individually to run the 400 metres and was given only a relay spot.

Steffensen, who is of aboriginal descent, accused Athletics Australia of racial vilification and said he would bypass the games in protest. The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist was upset after an individual 400m berth was granted to teenager Steve Solomon, who also achieved an Olympic qualifying time. Steffensen was selected only as a member of Australia’s 4x400m relay team.

“I don’t think it helps the legitimacy of our sport or the selection criteria, and I think it only makes our sport look stupid,” Steffensen said during an interview with Australia’s Channel 9 on Saturday. “Now they’re going to pick who they want to put in the team. I’ve put up with being racially vilified by this federation ... you know it would help if I was a different colour. No, they can have athletics. I don’t need to do this any more.”

Athletics Australia chief executive Dallas O’Brien denied the claims and said: “John’s comments are regrettable ... and I’ve asked him to have a breath and think about it. He’s been running really well and it’s just unfortunate that timing and injury hurt his chances.”