$125K reward for Olympian who wouldn't fight Israeli
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has paid a judo champion who avoided an Olympics match against an Israeli the same prize money as to its gold medallists, the official Islamic Republic News Agency said today
Though Arash Miresmaeli "did not get a gold medal, he earned eternal honour by his refusal," Mahmood Ahmadi Nejad, Tehran's conservative mayor, said, according to IRNA.
Miresmaeli had reportedly said that he would not meet Ehud Vaks in Athens as a gesture of sympathy with the Palestinian people. On the day of the bout, Miresmaeili, a favourite in the under-66 kilogram class, was declared overweight and disqualified.
Iran does not recognize Israel and bans any contact with the Jewish state.
Arash Miresmaeli's $125,000 (U.S.) reward was the same the government gave to weightlifter Hossein Rezazadeh and taekwondo champion Hadi Saei Bonehkohal, who both won in Athens.
By missing weight, Miresmaeili could claim that there was no political motive and thus avoid sanctions. The International Judo Federation investigated and concluded that he didn't miss his weight to avoid the bout.
Miresmaeli was world judo champion in 2001 and 2003 and finished fifth at the Sydney Olympics. He carried the Iranian flag at the opening ceremony in Athens
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has paid a judo champion who avoided an Olympics match against an Israeli the same prize money as to its gold medallists, the official Islamic Republic News Agency said today
Though Arash Miresmaeli "did not get a gold medal, he earned eternal honour by his refusal," Mahmood Ahmadi Nejad, Tehran's conservative mayor, said, according to IRNA.
Miresmaeli had reportedly said that he would not meet Ehud Vaks in Athens as a gesture of sympathy with the Palestinian people. On the day of the bout, Miresmaeili, a favourite in the under-66 kilogram class, was declared overweight and disqualified.
Iran does not recognize Israel and bans any contact with the Jewish state.
Arash Miresmaeli's $125,000 (U.S.) reward was the same the government gave to weightlifter Hossein Rezazadeh and taekwondo champion Hadi Saei Bonehkohal, who both won in Athens.
By missing weight, Miresmaeili could claim that there was no political motive and thus avoid sanctions. The International Judo Federation investigated and concluded that he didn't miss his weight to avoid the bout.
Miresmaeli was world judo champion in 2001 and 2003 and finished fifth at the Sydney Olympics. He carried the Iranian flag at the opening ceremony in Athens
i think it sucks
when this happened - the ENTIRE iranian team should have been made to pack up and ride home on their camels and been EXPELLED from the olympics.
what this a**hole did was disgusting and to reward this jerk the iranian government should be made to pay - for a LONG time!
when this happened - the ENTIRE iranian team should have been made to pack up and ride home on their camels and been EXPELLED from the olympics.
what this a**hole did was disgusting and to reward this jerk the iranian government should be made to pay - for a LONG time!
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Journeyman:
Not much different between the Iraqi and Iranian govt....if the USA had time they'd be knocking on Iran's door again too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
In time, once Iraq and Afghanistan is settled...we be there knocking on Iran and definately Siria's doors...Then hopefully Democracy will spread...Iran is already, from within, moving towards Democracy more with an upcoming election, if I am not mistaken...
I also agree with what Darryl said about the boycott...Hey, maybe it was all an individual plan to get rich...Hmmm, wonder who was his agent...maybe the two brothers who is agents for Kellon Winslow Jr...LOL.
Not much different between the Iraqi and Iranian govt....if the USA had time they'd be knocking on Iran's door again too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
In time, once Iraq and Afghanistan is settled...we be there knocking on Iran and definately Siria's doors...Then hopefully Democracy will spread...Iran is already, from within, moving towards Democracy more with an upcoming election, if I am not mistaken...
I also agree with what Darryl said about the boycott...Hey, maybe it was all an individual plan to get rich...Hmmm, wonder who was his agent...maybe the two brothers who is agents for Kellon Winslow Jr...LOL.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> In time, once Iraq and Afghanistan is settled...we be there knocking on Iran and definately Siria's doors...Then hopefully Democracy will spread.. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Who died and made you guys king of the world???
Pleeease, call it what it really is. I don't think you are that stupid or naive, so don't treat me like one.
Pleeease, call it what it really is. I don't think you are that stupid or naive, so don't treat me like one.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Co-Captain:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Journeyman:
Not much different between the Iraqi and Iranian govt....if the USA had time they'd be knocking on Iran's door again too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
In time, once Iraq and Afghanistan is settled...we be there knocking on Iran and definately Siria's doors...Then hopefully Democracy will spread...Iran is already, from within, moving towards Democracy more with an upcoming election, if I am not mistaken...
I also agree with what Darryl said about the boycott...Hey, maybe it was all an individual plan to get rich...Hmmm, wonder who was his agent...maybe the two brothers who is agents for Kellon Winslow Jr...LOL. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
who do u think the US is? GOD? let people be what they want to be and worry about your own country thats falling apart.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Journeyman:
Not much different between the Iraqi and Iranian govt....if the USA had time they'd be knocking on Iran's door again too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
In time, once Iraq and Afghanistan is settled...we be there knocking on Iran and definately Siria's doors...Then hopefully Democracy will spread...Iran is already, from within, moving towards Democracy more with an upcoming election, if I am not mistaken...
I also agree with what Darryl said about the boycott...Hey, maybe it was all an individual plan to get rich...Hmmm, wonder who was his agent...maybe the two brothers who is agents for Kellon Winslow Jr...LOL. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
who do u think the US is? GOD? let people be what they want to be and worry about your own country thats falling apart.
Hey it wasnt the US who flew planes into the World Trade Center killing innocent people from the US and many other different countries...if I remember....It was a bunch of fuckers from another part of the world, who seem to be now crying because the whole world, and not just the US, is tired of dealing with that type of shit any more...It seems they fucked with the wrong country and now are complaining and crying, "who do the US think they are God"...Pleeassse give me a break...No I dont think that we are GOD, I just believe that we will protect ourselves first and then those who need our help second, thats all...JMO.
Btw, Sure we got problems in our own country...but with all that seems to be wrong with our country, like others will want you to believe, you still have the right to speak your mind and live in a free society...So I say its not even close to being as bad as people, outside the United States, think it is...Not even close IMO...Aloha.
Btw, Sure we got problems in our own country...but with all that seems to be wrong with our country, like others will want you to believe, you still have the right to speak your mind and live in a free society...So I say its not even close to being as bad as people, outside the United States, think it is...Not even close IMO...Aloha.
