Sprinter in court for perjury

Athens, Greece – Greek sprinter Katerina Thanou appeared in court Monday on charges she and teammate Costas Kenteris staged a motorcycle crash to avoid a doping test on the eve of the 2004 Olympics in a scandal that had marred the opening of the Athens Games.

Thanou and Kenteris, both medalists at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, are accused of staging the crash on Aug. 12, 2004, hours after they missed a doping test. The pair subsequently withdrew from the Athens Games, and have denied the misdemeanor charges.

The trial started in January after years of postponement. Thanou had also appeared earlier this month in court but had not testified. Kenteris was not in court, and a lawyer representing him said the former sprinter would not be appearing because his wife was suffering from serious health problems.

“I have been waiting for seven years for this day in court, to explain how things were, as I experienced them and as they really happened,” Thanou said outside the courthouse.

She said the defence had submitted new evidence that had come to light during the legal proceedings, but did not elaborate on what the evidence was.

“I hope the judges see all the new evidence that has arisen and issue a fair decision,” she said.

The court adjourned the case until April 5. – Sapa-AP