THE British Olympic Association (BOA) yesterday confirmed that “all necessary security measures” were being taken to protect their athletes in Cyprus in the run-up to the Athens Olympic games.
The confirmation follows reports that undercover guards are set to accompany British and American athletes to this summer’s games as part of unprecedented security and anti-terrorism measures. The British Olympic team is using Cyprus as a training ground ahead of the games.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail yesterday, BOA media manager Philip Pope said: “The security of our athletes is our highest priority. We are in regular and ongoing contact with all relevant national and international security agencies to make sure our security measures are the best they can be in the lead up to and during the Olympic games.”
The British High Commission in Cyprus was yesterday unwilling to comment on what those security measures would be, but according to the London Evening Standard, British and American plainclothes officers in Athens plan to watch competitors closely when they leave secure zones like the athletes’ village and sporting venues and go into public areas. Greece, which will deploy more than 40,000 security staff during the games, has ruled out these foreign guards being armed, the Standard said.
Following the September 11 terrorist attacks in new York, the Iraq war and last week’s devastating train bombings in Madrid, the August games will be the most heavily-guarded event in the 108-year history of the Olympics.
While security at the 2000 Sydney Games was largely a police responsibility, the Athens Olympics will be dominated by a military operation costing treble the amount, at £430 million.
“Last Friday, Greece asked NATO to prove aerial and sea surveillance against a chemical or nuclear attack,” the London daily reported. And a secret, international security exercise against terrorism has just started in Greece, involving 1,500 police and an overseas force of 400 American soldiers and 100 from Britain, Germany, Israel and Canada. It is understood that countries regarded as high risk – such as the US, Britain and Israel – will be allowed to bring their own experts. Armed Greek guards will also be placed on team buses on their way to and from stadiums. In fact Scotland Yard’s David Vennes, Britain’s top anti-terrorism official, has already travelled to Athens to observe the current ‘Shield of Hercules’ exercise, while FBI agents have been working closely with Athens security chiefs after expressing concerns last year that Greek police were not taking adequate steps to protect athletes, officials and spectators.
Despite the security risks, the British Olympic team, which is using Cyprus as a training ground, has been very happy here so far.
Olympic Performance Manger Richard Simmons told the Cyprus Mail: “We are very happy in Cyprus and feel very welcome. It’s a great place to be for the Great Britain team.”
At present, there are no British athletes in Cyprus. Nevertheless, more groups are expected to start arriving in early April, including athletes competing in the triathlon, weight lifting and archery events. The athletics and swimming teams will follow, he said.
“Several hundred athletes and over 30 groups have already been in Cyprus training, including the swimming, boxing and rowing teams. The next group of athletes is coming on April 2.”
Simmons added the bulk of the Great Britain team would be in Cyprus leading up the games and that athletes would be living on the island during the games, only travelling to Athens a few days before competing.
Police were yesterday unavailable for comment on what security measures would be taken to protect the Olympic athletes during their stay in Cyprus.
