Olympics bosses want Arnie to run in torch relay
By ANIThursday, February 11, 2010
LONDON - Arnold Schwarzenegger will be allowed to run in the torch relay in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Canada after organisers refused to give in to critics, who were not pleased that the actor/politician used steroids during his bodybuilding career.
Schwarzenegger, 62, will take part in the ceremonial carrying of the Olympic flame ahead of the games’ opening ceremony in Vancouver on February 12.
The decision to include Schwarzenegger infuriated some critics, as taking drugs is a practice, which is banned in the Olympics.
But John Furlong, chief executive of Olympics organising committee, is adamant the ‘Terminator’ star deserves his place in the event.
“He has taken an extraordinary position on the environment and has developed a great relationship with the province of British Columbia,” the Daily Express quoted Furlong as saying.
“He is a powerful spokesman and is very popular here. He has been here many times and he helps focus attention on what we are doing,” he added. (ANI)
