The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Coe ‘unaware’of threat
LORD COE said last night that he was not aware of any new warning to Britain about a terrorist threat to the Winter Olympics.
The chairman of the British Olympic Association was speaking in Sochi ahead of the opening ceremony as part of the Team GB leadership delegation.
His comments came after revelations “toothpaste bombs” could be on their way to Russia.
The US Department of Homeland Security warned airlines with direct flights that explosives hidden in toothpaste tubes could be smuggled on to planes.
“We haven’t been appraised of any particular situation,” Lord Coe said.
“We are in permanent contact with all the agencies you would expect us to be in contact with.
“But I’m unaware of any overtures that have been made to us.”
There seemed to be a stronger security presence on the eve of the games than in previous days, however.
Thousands of black-uniformed, heavilyarmed police occupied checkpoints.
Even fully- accredited personnel were scanned twice when entering and leaving a double cordon around the five major venues and main stadium of Olympic Park.
Lord Coe also raised eyebrows last night with comments about his participation at the Moscow Olympics in 1980, when many countries boycotted the games in protest over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
“Sporting boycotts are absurd, — they fly in the face of any sensible political judgment,” he said.
“Historically and consistently, and certainly at Olympic level, they’ve never remotely achieved what they set out to do, other than penalise the competitors.”
Meanwhile, the Princess Royal joined Lord Coe and Team GB athletes at their official Russian welcome last night.
Medal hopefuls including Courier columnist Eve Muirhead were among those in attendance.