Argentinean Sendoff; Aussie Weightlifting Drama; Uniforms for Russia, New Zealand

Argentinean President Sends Off Olympians

Christina Kirchner, president of Argentina, potentially reignited controversy over the Olympics and Falkland Islands.

She told the country’s Olympians that they could come under fire in Britain and warned the athletes to stay calm at a ceremony on Wednesday.

"Go and represent your country on English soil with great pride and with more caution than ever," she was quoted as saying by London’s Daily Telegraph.

"If somebody out there makes you angry, stay calm. Show an example of what it is to be an Argentinean representing your country."

She praised the controversial advertisement that aired earlier this year claiming the Falklands were Argentinean.

"It doesn’t matter who got angry about the spot. I thought it was divine, important and creative."

The Falklands are a disputed archipelago that both Britain and Argentina claim as their own.

"They are hoping we do something stupid, so they can discredit us," she said, downplaying reports that Argentina would use the Games to make a political statement about the Islands.

"We’re not stupid. We don’t need to use sport to stand up for our rights. We’ll defend our rights in appropriate forums, like the UN."

AOC Drops Weightlifting Coach After Bribery Scandal

Michael Keelan, the Australian weightlifting coach who accused Daniel Koum of bribery earlier this month, will not coach either of the qualifying lifters.

The Australian Olympic Committee made the announcement Thursday that Damon Kelly and Seen Lee have each been assigned personal coaches, neither of whom is Keelan.

The AOC did not reference the scandal in its statement, claiming that the change was made to "put the athletes’ interests first".

"Initially we allocated only one accreditation for the weightlifting section. Now we have two athletes we have found an additional accreditation," the AOC statement said. "Coaches have always taken priority over administrative or support personnel because personal coaches have the most positive impact on athlete performances.

"This is consistent with what the AOC has done in other sports."

Although the Australian Weightlifting Federation cleared Keelan of wrongdoing, Koum initiated legal proceedings against the coach following his allegations.

RussiaReveals New Uniforms

Designed by Bosco, the colorful London 2012 uniforms incorporate the mythical creatures Pegasus and a griffin in an abstract design.

"It is always a challenge to come up with a kit that unites not only 1,000 athletes, coaches and support staff into one team, but also bonds that team with 140 million Russians," Bosco head Mikhail Kusnirovich said. "The expression, 'You are what you wear' is more true during the Olympic Games than at any other time. The Opening Ceremony is watched by four billion people – so you better be looking your best!"

At the ceremony in Moscow, the team unveiled its slogan for the Games: "Privet London!" or "Hi, London" in English.

Denmark Names Flagbearer

The Sports Federation of Denmark announced Wednesday that kayaker Kim Wraae will be Denmark’sflagbearer in London.

Wraae took silver in the two-man kayaking event in Beijing 2008.

"It is a great honor to be allowed to be flag-bearer," Wraae said. "I got Goosebumps when I learned of this, and I look forward to lead such a strong and large team to the Olympics."

The Danish NOC also announced that at least 112 athletes are heading to London, the biggest team in 16 years.

The country hopes to medal in badminton, tennis, cycling, handball, rowing, swimming, kayaking and sailing.

The final list of selections will be announced July 8.

New Zealand Unveils Uniforms

Team New Zealand’s uniforms were inspired by those worn by athletes in the 1948 Olympics held in London.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee unveiled the designs Thursday.

"This inspiration is most evident in the lines and detail used in the men's and women's official blazers, which are the cornerstone of the range," an NZOC statement said.

The uniform collection also includes a t-shirt designed by a member of the public and submitted through a national competition.

AIBA Announces London 2012 Boxers

The International Boxing Association, AIBA, announced its final list of the 286 qualified boxers for London.

The announcement was made Thursday.

A total of 36 female boxers will compete in the first women’s Olympic boxing tournament.

Click here to see the list of qualified boxers.

Written by Hannah Reid and Ed Hula III.

20 Years at #1: