Greek Athlete Voula Papachristou ‘Bitter and Upset’ After Racism Ban

Voula Papachristou has revealed how she has been left feeling "very bitter and upset" after the decision was made to expel her from the Greek team for the London Olympics because of a racist remark she made on Twitter.

The triple jumper caused a major scandal and was immediately removed from the Greek Olympic team on Wednesday after her tweet about the appearance of Nile-virus carrying mosquitoes in Athens.

The tweet read: "With so many Africans in Greece, at least the mosquitoes of West Nile will eat homemade food." The 23-year-old immediately deleted the comment but the Greek Olympic Committee condemned her actions and took immediate action.

Papachristou has now spoken for the first time about the incident and it is clear that she is utterly devastated to not be able to compete at London 2012.

"I have not slept at all and to be honest I am still trying to come to terms with what has happened. I am trying to stay calm otherwise I would lose control. I am thankful to my coach and family and so many other people who have stuck by me," Papachristou told Reuters.

"After so many years of hurt and sacrifices to try and get to my first Olympics I am very bitter and upset. But what has upset me the most is the excessive reaction and speed of the disciplinary decision.

"I don't know if they want to make an example out of me because of my profile, this is for others to judge, but what I believe is that they used their maximum disciplinary power on me for this. They went straight to the final stage in excluding me from the team which was highly excessive."

The triple jumper also criticised the Greek authorities who she claims have showed all atheltes a lack of support as they attempted to qualify for the Olympics.

"We have zero support from the state," added Papachristou. "There are a lot of things that people do not know about, such as the unacceptable conditions in which we have to train.

"For example, there is no heating and no hot water even to take a shower in winter, no air conditioning in the summer and squalid training facilities and equipment in a state of disrepair.

"These are just the tip of the iceberg without mentioning the financial side and how we have been affected by massive cuts in state-funding for sport."

However, she did admit that she fully respects the decision of the Greek board to expel her from the Olympics.

"The only thing I know is to compete in athletics to the best of my ability and that has been shown in my performances so far in my career. I believe I am a good, kind and also strong character. I will get over this and give my answers in my future performances. That is all I want to say on that.

"I wish the very best to all my fellow athletes in the Greek team, I hope each and every one can give their best and show that the Greek spirit has no limits."