Olympics axe still grinds with Kim Collins

 

Simon Turnbull
Monday 28 January 2013 01:00 GMT
Comments
Kim Collins says he will never run for his country again, after being pulled out of the competition for visiting his wife. He said: 'I've been disrespected for too long for too many years.'
Kim Collins says he will never run for his country again, after being pulled out of the competition for visiting his wife. He said: 'I've been disrespected for too long for too many years.' (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Five months on, Kim Collins was still shaking his head at the mention of London 2012. "I am the first man to get in trouble for allegedly having sex with his wife," the veteran Caribbean sprinter said, after finishing runner-up to Dwain Chambers in the 60m at the British Athletics Glasgow International Match. "I really don't understand the logic behind it."

Collins, the world 100m champion in 2003, was stripped of his Olympic accreditation by St Kitts and Nevis officials after leaving the Olympic Village – allegedly without their permission – to visit his wife, Paula, who also happens to be his coach, and their children at a London hotel.

Collins, who carried his country's flag in the opening ceremony, insists he did have permission and has vowed never to run for St Kitts again.

"I'm the most senior athlete on the planet, so at what point do you cut me some slack – even though they knew it was happening before it happened?" he said.

Collins decided to go ahead with his arrangements to compete in Glasgow after his half-brother, Winston Brown, was shot dead by police who were attending a domestic disturbance in St Kitts last Tuesday. "It's what my brother would have wanted," he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in