Without a trace of irony the NYT reports:
An Iranian vice president said in rare comments that Iran was a friend of Israeli people, newspapers reported on Monday. “I say for a thousandth time that we are a friend of all people in the world, even Israelis and Americans,†the daily newspaper Etemad quoted Esfandiar Rahim Mashai, the vice president for tourism, as saying.
So why didn’t the Iranian swimmer compete against the Israeli?
However, IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said the IOC was satisfied that Alirezaei withdrew because of an illness.
“The athlete withdraw because of a sickness,†she said.
“He confirmed this in writing to the swimming federation. We also spoke to (Iranian association). And they have underlined to us that all athletes competing here are in the right spirit to compete against athletes of any nationalities.
“We take both the athletes and the NOC had their words on this.â€
“Sickness?” My guess is cooties. Remember an Iranian had contact with an Israeli national at the games already.
I’m assuming that Mohammed Nikkhah came down with cooties after shaking David Blatt’s hand. Afterwards it couldn’t be assumed that it was safe for Iranians to be in close proximity to their good friends, the Israelis.
Just a hunch, of course.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
