George Gomez takes Olympic Committee to task

The head of the Gambian delegation to the Olympic Games in Beijing, George Gomez, has asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stop transference of athletes from poor to rich countries.

Gomez, who serves as the executive director of The Gambia National Olympic Committee,  considers unfair the purchase of African sportsmen to compete for developed countries, a situation becoming regular with marathoners and soccer players.

He added that "many rich countries hire talented African athletes, change their nationality and compete at international events, a huge blow for the continent's sports development." Gomez called such actions "unfair and impolite, and hoped the International Olympic Committee members were able to stop such trade."

The Gambian official hopes Africa will improve its performance in Beijing after the retrogression in Athens.

Gomez praised organisation of the games on behalf of his country, which will be represented by boxer Jack Badou (75 kg) and two runners.