US swimmers, cyclists and shooters to give 2010 YOG a miss
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 October 2009 1915 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The online version of the Washington Post said some US athletes will not turn up at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games to be staged in Singapore next year.

The report said that the US swim team will not be competing in the August 2010 Games.

It quoted USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus who said the Youth Olympics was set up more as an educational programme than a high-level competition.

Wielgus added that they have informed the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) about the team's decision to sit out. But Wielgus pointed out that the move was not a snub.

USOC confirmed that the American swimmers were not competing.

The article also added that the cycling and shooting teams have also decided not to attend the YOG.

But the rest of the American contingent should be competing in the Youth Games as each country is limited to sending a total of about 100 competitors - 70 individual athletes along with two teams.

The Singapore organisers said they were unaware of the latest announcement.

Some 3,500 athletes aged 14 to 18 are expected to compete in 26 sports for the games. - CNA/vm/ls