Beijing: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday accepted Iranian swimmer Mohammad Ali Rezaei's excuse for failing to swim in the 100-metre breaststroke heat due to sickness.
"The athlete has withdrawn because of sickness. He confirmed this in writing to his federation," IOC Director of Communications Giselle Davies told a press conference.
Speculation was rife that Alirezaei opted out of the event because Israel's Tom Beeri was also competing.
During the 2004 Athens Olympics, Iran's judo world champion Arash Miresmaeili refused to compete against Ehud Vaks of Israel.
Israel considers Iran a threat because of its nuclear ambitions.
Image Credit:
AP
