Baku Bus Strikes Austrian Athletes

(ATR) Two synchronized swimmers will miss their chance to compete in the inaugural European Games.

A shuttle bus in Baku’s athlete village struck three Austrian swimmers a day before the European Games begin. Verena Breit managed to escape serious injury and was able to return to the Austrian team headquarters after a short treatment.

Vanessa Sahinovic is said to have sustained serious injuries and several fractures according to Austria’s team doctor. Luna Pajer suffered an injury to her arm and will receive further tests once returning to Vienna.

Sahinovic and Pajer were flown back to Austria as soon as possible after the collision to receive further tests and treatment. They will not be returning to compete in the games.

This accident comes the morning of the welcoming ceremony for all of the athletes in the village by the event organizers. Organizers, members of the European Olympic Committee (EOC) and members from European NOCs such as the Spanish Olympic Committee attended the ceremony directed by EOC president Patrick Hickey.

One athletic delegation told Around the Rings they were thrilled to be welcomed to compete in the European Games. Kosovo claimed independence from Serbia in 2008 and became officially recognized by the IOC last December. This will be the country’s first international competition since earning that recognition, sending 18 athletes to compete in eight sports.

While the athletes are being welcomed to Azerbaijan, many members of the press are being told not to enter the country. Azerbaijan has denied access to the country to news agencies such as the Guardian and organizations like Amnesty International.

Human rights activists and freedom of press proponents have each expressed outrage over the denial of access, some even calling on sponsors like British Petroleum to stop endorsing the games.

The EOC said a press ban such as this is "completely against the spirit of sport" and that president Hickey would be discussing the matter with government officials in Azerbaijan.

This type of negative press surrounding the first edition of the European Games has made some question the longevity of the event, such as the president of the French Olympic Committee. He says he does not know what the future holds for the games and that the only certainty is they will happen this year.

The second edition of the European Games is set to take place in 2019. Netherlands was selected as the host country earlier this year in May.However, the country decided not to go through with the host agreement, citing a collapse in their financial plan to host the games. This news came just two days before Baku's opening ceremonies.

Although the EOC is facing negative publicity surrounding these games, Hickey is confident this year's edition will be a success and finding a new host for the 2019 European Games is quite possible.

"I have no doubt that we will be able to present a strong host for the 2019 European Games, but right now our focus remains on ensuring this inaugural edition is the best possible launch pad for Europe’s first continental Games," he said.

Six countries entered into the race to host the 2019 edition, with Netherlands earning the most votes in a speedy selection process that took place over seven months. Now that Netherlands is no longer hosting, the five countries that were previously considered will have another chance at landing the 2019 European Games.

Written by Kevin Nutley

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.