IOC Explains Kuwait Decision; Brazil Talks Crystal Palace; USA, Aussies Arrive in London

IOC Explains Kuwait NOC Decision

The IOC gives the reasons for lifting its ban on the Kuwait NOC that allows the Gulf state's athletes to compete under their country's flag at London 2012.

"The IOC’s Executive Board conditionally lifted the suspension of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Kuwait following a written guarantee by HRH The Emir of Kuwait to issue a decree in August 2012 which will put in place new sports legislation," said an IOC statement issued Monday.

"Once in force, this new law will put an end to long-standing government interference which affected the NOC’s autonomy and led to its suspension by the IOC in January 2010. The lifting of the suspension will be definitely confirmed once the entire process and the new sports legislation are implemented."

The IOC lifted its four-year ban on Sunday; the NOC was suspended over a Kuwaiti law that allowed the government to intervene in the selection of sports.

This means all 204 of the world’s NOCs are eligible to compete in London, a number equal to Beijing.

Brazil Unveils Crystal Palace HQ

The executive superintendent of the Brazilian Olympic Committee tells Around the Rings that the facilities at Crystal Palace Sports Center are the "cherry on the cake" for his country's Olympic team.

Marcus Vinícius was speaking to ATR at the South London Sports Center, where Team Brazil will train and be based for the duration of London 2012.

Since Beijing in 2008, Team Brazil has been investing heavily in Olympic preparation – and Vinícius says that their training camp in Crystal Palace makes the crucial difference.

"For us it is the cherry on the cake, because we have the best preparation for our team in four years and the difference, the last 100 meters, is Crystal Palace," he said.

"We have more money, more planning and we have the best sports science guys, the best coach, and the best venue to train in – and in the Olympic city we have the best training center."

"This is the big difference for us, this is the first time that Brazil has a venue in the Olympic city – and this is the difference."

Built in 1964, the venue facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and diving pool, basketball and handball courts, track and field facilities, volleyball courts, and boxing and gymnastics rooms. There is also a medical area, which will use the latest in robotic technology so any specific specialist can diagnose an athlete via a webcam.

The first of the 259 Brazilian athletes qualified for the Games started arriving in London on Monday. Most will reside in the Olympic Village, though some will stay in Crystal Palace.

Libyan Olympic Chief Kidnapped

Nabil al Alam, president of the Libyan Olympic Committee, was reportedly captured by gunmen over the weekend.

The Associated Press reports that al Alam’s brother, Salah, claims he kidnapped outside of Tripoli on Sunday.

Al Alam became LOC president in 2011, succeeding Moammar Gadahfi, son of the late Libyan dictator of the same name.

The AP says al Alam has ties to Gadafhi’s son, and this may have been an act of revenge.

Around the Rings attempted to get confirmation of the capture from the LOC but was unsuccessful.

Aussies Bring Emus, 'Roos to Olympic Village

Team Australia has entered the Olympic Village, bringing some native wildlife –of a sort.

Australia's first Olympians arrived Monday with badminton, canoe-slalom and sailing squads coming to London.

To welcome the athletes, the Australian Olympic Committee decorated balconies with its famous Boxing Kangaroo banners and has "life-size emus" at its team headquarters, says chef de mission Nick Green.

"It's attracted a lot of attention from the people who are in the Village," he said.

While Green heaped praise on the venue and Australian medal capabilities, Aussie reporters were more interested in allegations from sprinter John Steffensen that he is the victim of racism in selection for the Australian squad.

Steffensen, an Aboriginal, was passed over for a spot in the 400m individual event, but was selected for the 400m relay team. Steve Solomon received the individual spot instead. Reports surfaced that a "provisional" individual position was granted to Steffensen, even as he threatened to boycott the Games.

Green stressed any moves were Athletics Australia decisions, not AOC ones.

"We had been disappointed with the comments that Steffensen has made," Green said. "If an athlete does not want to compete for any reason, we'll deal with that." He also rejected the notion that racism could have been at play with Solomon's selection.

USOC Downplays Bad Bus Trip

Reports of a four-hour journey from Heathrow Airport to the Olympic Village for U.S. athletes "doesn’t detract […]a bit" from LOCOG’s organization of the Games, a USOC spokesman tells Around the Rings.

"Team USA athletes and staff have been arriving in London for the last several days and all of the feedback, from transport to housing and everything in between, has been fantastic," USOC communications chief Patrick Sandusky said Monday.

Hours earlier, sprinter Kerron Clement had tweeted "Athletes are sleepy, hungry and need to pee. Could we get to the Olympic Village please" from a bus delayed because the driver was lost.

"We understand that there were some limited challenges for some of our athletes travelling from Heathrow to the Olympic Village today, but all have made it safely and are going about the business of preparing for the most important competition of their lives," Sandusky told ATR.

"LOCOG is to be commended for the professionalism in which they have organized these Games and one bus trip doesn't detract from that a bit. We are very confident that these will be a great Games."

Teams from 50 NOCs are due to arrive Monday, the first day of check-ins at the village near the Olympic Park in east London.

Nadal Serves Up Spanish Flag

Reigning men’s singles champion Rafael Nadal will serve as Spain’s flag-bearer at London 2012.

Spanish Olympic Committee chief Alejandro Blanco said Monday in a press conference that the tennis star exemplifies the traits of an Olympian as described by IOC founder Pierre de Coubertin 104 years ago.

"He defined sportsmen and women as people who may step back, but never surrender; people who may bow down, but never give up; and people who may take a detour because nothing is impossible. This is the best definition of Nadal," said Blanco, also president of Madrid’s bid for the 2020 Olympics.

Nadal, meanwhile, seized Monday’s moment to back the Spanish capital’s campaign for the Games.

"Madrid deserves to host the Games more than any other city," he said. "We have tried for many years and we almost made it a few times. I remember I was just seven when the Barcelona Olympics took place. At the Madrid Games, I will be a spectator, but I am sure it will be an unforgettable event."

Savoy Place for Qatar Olympic House

The Qatar Olympic Committee has selected the Institute of Engineering and Technology at Savoy Place as its home base during London 2012.

The location of "Bayt Qatar", meaning House of Qatar, was announced Monday.

"Bayt Qatar will be a focal point to showcase real Qatari experiences and culture and offer Olympic guests warm Arab hospitality with the opportunity to savor wonderful local food, music, performances, art and culture," chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority Board of Trustees Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said.

"It will also highlight the progress Qatar has and continues to make in relation to sports development, especially among girls and women."

Qatar is sending female athletes to the Olympics for the first time in London, including flag-bearer Bahiya Al-Hamad and three other women.

Written and reported by Christian Radnedge, Mark Bisson, Ed Hula III and Hannah Reid

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