SPORTS

Modern pentathlon union chief ‘satisfied’

The president of the International Union of the Modern Pentathlon said yesterday he was «satisfied» with the construction of its Olympic venue. Klaus Schormann said he expected a December test event at the long-delayed facility will go ahead as planned. «Now, what I can see, how they are managing all the arrangements for us, we are satisfied. So we are happy that it is going on,» Schormann told The Associated Press. «We also asked for our test event in the second week of December. So, this is fixed as well.» Schormann visited Athens for a one-and-a-half-day update on venue construction progress. Major delays persist at the modern pentathlon venue in Goudi and it was on the list of sites where the test event could be held at an alternative location. Test events are pre-Olympic competitions that allow officials to assess sites and allow time for corrections before the Games. Nearly 20 such events are scheduled this year. International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge last month warned Athens 2004, the Olympic organizers, that preparations were again facing serious delays. Schormann said if the main stadium is not ready by December 12, then two adjacent buildings will be used. During the Olympics, those buildings will be used as training centers. «This is not a big issue. We are in the same area. We have the same equipment,» Schormann said. The delegation also visited accommodation areas for the sport’s officials. «I think there is not really an open question. There is still quite a lot to do, but there is not a question where we have to say, ‘Oh, how will they do it?’» Schormann said. (AP)

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.