Olympics bosses want Arnie to run in torch relay
February 11th, 2010 - 6:02 pm ICT by ANI
London, Feb 11 (ANI): Arnold Schwarzenegger will be allowed to run in the torch relay in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Canada after organisers refused to give in to critics, who were not pleased that the actor/politician used steroids during his bodybuilding career.
Schwarzenegger, 62, will take part in the ceremonial carrying of the Olympic flame ahead of the games’ opening ceremony in Vancouver on February 12.
The decision to include Schwarzenegger infuriated some critics, as taking drugs is a practice, which is banned in the Olympics.
But John Furlong, chief executive of Olympics organising committee, is adamant the ‘Terminator’ star deserves his place in the event.
“He has taken an extraordinary position on the environment and has developed a great relationship with the province of British Columbia,” the Daily Express quoted Furlong as saying.
“He is a powerful spokesman and is very popular here. He has been here many times and he helps focus attention on what we are doing,” he added. (ANI)
- Olympic torch relay completed despite protest - Feb 13, 2010
- IOC chief says no worries as Vancouver readies for winter Olympics - Feb 09, 2010
- Olympic torch reaches Vancouver - Feb 12, 2010
- Schwarzenegger and Coe to carry torch in Vancouver (Lead) - Feb 09, 2010
- Flame for Innsbruck 2012 Youth Olympics lit in Athens - Dec 18, 2011
- Russia plans to send Olympic torch into space - Jul 08, 2011
- First torchbearer for Olympic torch relay announced - May 11, 2012
- 2012 Olympic torch lit in Ancient Olympia - May 10, 2012
- Speed skater, triathlete, carry Olympic flame into Canada - Oct 31, 2009
- Olympic flame lit in Greece (Lead) - May 10, 2012
- London 2012 organizers confirm route for Olympic Flame - Mar 19, 2012
- Paralympic torch and relay route unveiled - Mar 01, 2012
- Arnie's mum thought he was gay - Jan 18, 2011
- Akshay Kumar carries the Olympic flame - Dec 21, 2009
- 2012 London Olympics torch relay to pass through 1,000 places - Nov 07, 2011
Tags: arnold schwarzenegger, bodybuilding career, chief executive, daily express, february 12, great relationship, john furlong, london feb, olympic flame, olympics, opening ceremony, organisers, organising committee, politician, province of british columbia, steroids, taking drugs, terminator, torch relay, winter olympics