BOA lays down the law online after Dai Greene incident

Published on 16/07/2012 01:32

The British Olympic Association has reminded their athletes to act “carefully and responsibly” when using social media after Dai Greene fell foul of the organisation’s guidelines in an online exchange.

Greene, the 400 metre hurdles world champion and Britain’s athletics team captain for London 2012, prompted the BOA to reaffirm its stance on social media usage after using language that might be construed as offensive in a conversation with fellow British athlete Martyn Rooney on Twitter in June.

The tweet was later deleted by Greene, whose actions were subsequently looked into by the BOA. No punishment has been handed down to Greene – with the BOA insisting the matter “has been addressed” – but the Welshman’s immediate managers at Team GB will now remind all of their athletes of the need to exercise care online.

“We have contacted the leadership of our athletics delegation and asked them to remind their athletes about the importance of using social media carefully and responsibly,” read a BOA statement.

“It’s basic advice that we have been providing to all members of the delegation as they go through prep camp and kitting out.

Some athletes, such as Edinburgh target shooter Jen McIntosh, have already announced they will not be using social media for their period of the Games.