Greece's triple jumper, Paraskevi Papachristou (also known as Voula Papachristou) has been expelled from the Olympic team because of a racist Twitter comment she made mocking African Immigrants. Translated into English, her tweet read, (@papaxristoutj): "With so many Africans in Greece... At least the West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!"
The 23-year-old who was due to arrive in London, tweeted an apology in English on Wednesday, that read: "I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless joke I published on my personal Twitter account.
I am very sorry and ashamed for the negative responses I triggered, since I never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights. My dream is connected to the Olympic Games and I could not possibly participate if I did not respect their values. Therefore, I could never believe in discrimination between human beings and races.
I would like to apologize to all my friends and fellow athletes, who I may have insulted or shamed, the National Team, as well as the people and companies who support my athletic career. Finally, I would like to apologize to my coach and my family."
According to The Associated Press, The Hellenic Olympic Committee said in a statement Wednesday that Papachristou is "placed outside the Olympic team for statements contrary to the values and ideas of the Olympic movement."
Her tweet incited a number of responses with many Greeks calling for her to be expelled from the Olympic team. Papachristou has also retweeted messages from the Golden Dawn Party, an extreme right group that has criticized the Greek prime minister and his views on immigration.
A party in Greece's coalition government, the Democratic Left, said in a statement, "Let her make any miserable 'jokes' on social media while watching the games on TV. She definitely cannot represent Greece in London."
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