Friday, August 08, 2008
Brunei expelled from Olympics' opening ceremony (8:15 p.m.)
BEIJING -- The IOC excluded Brunei from participating in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games on Friday because its national Olympic committee failed to register the country's two athletes by the required deadline.
Brunei had until midday Friday to register its two athletes - 15-year-old swimmer Maria Grace Koh and shot putter Mohammed Yazid Yatimi Yusof - with the International Olympic Committee, but missed the deadline.
Brunei's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, was one of many dignitaries slated to attend the opening, alongside US President George W. Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. (AP) |
