Olympics: Australian John Steffenson alleges race slur

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.”