Olympics


Sochi 2014 polar bear is "grandson of Misha" says Chernyshenko

By Tom Degun in Barcelona

Dmitry_Chenryshenko_presented_with_Samaranch_award_in_Barcelona_March_10_2011March 11 - Dmitry Chernyshenko (pictured), the President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, has shrugged off the controversy surrounding the mascots for the Winter Games after it alleged that the design was stolen from the mascot for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Misha, more than 30 years ago.

"We are focussing on our own bid" claims Witt

By Tom Degun in Barcelona

Katarina_Witt_in_Barcelona_at_conference_March_10_2March 11 - Katarina Witt, the double Olympic skating champion and the chair of Munich 2018, claims her team has done everything possible, if not more, to win the right to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.






Northern Ireland anger over BOA snub

By Duncan Mackay

Team GBMarch 10 - A new row is threatening to engulf the British Olympic Association (BOA) after complaints from Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Nelson McCausland that "Team GB" is discriminatory and should be changed to "Team UK".







IOC asked to solve BOA funding crisis row

By Duncan Mackay

Team GBMarch 9 - A row over a shortfall in the British Olympic Association's (BOA) funding for next year's Games has been referred to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who have been asked to adjudicate on whether London 2012 should have to help close the gap.