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London 2012: Australia's Chris Morgan uses medal as proof of identity

 

Friday 10 August 2012 13:45 BST
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Chris Morgan who was stopped by security staff at the ExCeL arena and only let through after he showed his Olympic medal
Chris Morgan who was stopped by security staff at the ExCeL arena and only let through after he showed his Olympic medal (Getty Images)

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Australian bronze medallist Chris Morgan has had to show his medal as proof of identity after security staff did not recognise his photographic identification.

Australia's Chris Morgan was stopped by security staff at the ExCeL arena but was let through after he pulled the medal out of his pocket and said: "How's that for ID?"

Morgan, who earned a podium place alongside his team-mates in the men's quadruple sculls, said he thought the image might be questioned at some point because he had grown facial hair since the picture was taken.

He laughed about being stopped last night and let security staff pose for pictures with the bronze.

"I am carrying my Olympic medal in my pocket because I won't let it out of my sight," he said.

"I've won this medal for myself and I have got it forever. Half the job of an Olympian is to compete and the other half is to try and inspire a future generation.

"I get a real big kick about seeing people's reactions and seeing the joy when people see a medal and get to meet an Olympian."

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