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Coles to run leg of Olympic torch relay

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Posted: Sunday April 04, 1999 05:51 PM

Coles: "It is something I have always dreamed of since we won the games." AP

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Embattled International Olympic Committee member Phil Coles plans to run the Olympic torch for one kilometer across Sydney's Bondi Beach regardless of the outcome of any inquiries into his conduct.

The Daily Telegraph reported Monday that Coles had accepted an invitation from new Torch Relay Committee chairwoman Anna Booth to take on the relay leg.

Coles is under investigation by the IOC over claims he accepted jewelry worth more than $6,300 from the Athens bid committee for the 1996 Olympics.

The Telegraph said Olympics Minister Michael Knight, who last week removed Coles as head of the relay committee, would not attempt to stop the former Olympic kayaker from participating.

Coles said Booth's invitation was "gracious," and said it would be an honor to complete the leg, which is minutes from his home.

"It is something I have always dreamed of since we won the games," he said. "I was delighted to take up the offer."

While Knight has repeatedly called for Coles to resign from the Sydney Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, the body last year voted unanimously to allow every living Olympian to participate in the relay.

 

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