Australia to take drastic security measures
Thursday, 6 May 2004The Australian Olympic Committee will have two Qantas jets on standby ready to evacuate their athletes from the Athens Games in the event of a terrorist attack.
AOC general secretary Bob Elphinston also revealed they are considering employing armed guards to protect the team although he admitted that would need the cooperation of the local authorities.
He confirmed there was no question the Australian team would consider withdrawing but admitted the AOC were making contingency plans.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, he said: "It's very early in discussion with regards armed support. The two Qantas jets, they are ready and available should the team need to be evacuated earlier than two days after the closing ceremony.
Elphinston's comments arrive the day after three small bombs were detonated on the outskirts of the Greek capital. But he remains confident the athletes will be well protected.
"We're very confident that the Olympic Village and venues will be very secure. Probably the safest place on earth, the Olympic village," he said.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
