US public opinion sees Olympic terror ‘likely’
Despite the hugely expensive security umbrella being set up for the August Olympics, just over half the Americans polled this month think a terrorist attack is likely during the Athens Games. A survey of 1,000 adult US citizens conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs for The Associated Press found that 52 percent believe a terror strike is likely, while 39 percent said American sportsmen and sportswomen faced a higher risk than any other national group. But 55 percent said US athletes face no higher risk than other competitors. Several American athletes have expressed fears regarding their safety during the August 13-29 Games. «The players are definitely concerned,» NBA basketball player Jermaine O’Neal told the AP on Friday. «It definitely sits on your mind. If you wanted to send a message to the world, what better place is there to do it?»
