FRENCH CONNECTIONS: Paula Radcliffe named Olympic marathon ambassador, Olympic boss makes a Scouse-sized mix-up, Team GB’s snack surplus goes to charity, and Marseille’s muggers can’t taint sailing festivities
- The former long-distance runner is an ambassador for the 2024 Olympic marathon
- She previously supported convicted rapist Van de Velde
- Radcliffe has since apologized, but said her comments were misguided.
Paula Radcliffe has been named as one of the ambassadors for the Paris 2024 Marathon this weekend, despite having to apologise before the Games after posting comments supporting Dutch paedophile Steven van de Velde.
Beach volleyball player Van de Velde raped a 12-year-old girl in 2014 when he was 19. He gave her Bailey’s Irish Cream and then advised her to buy a morning-after pill.
However, Radcliffe wished the disgraced athlete luck ahead of the competition, before walking back her comments despite the criticism that followed.
Paula Radcliffe will be an ambassador for the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon, which will be held on Saturday
Beach volleyball player Van de Velde raped a 12-year-old girl in 2014 when he was 19
Olympic coach Thomas Bach confuses astronauts and Scousers in final press conference
For an at times nauseating hour, the German dodged questions about whether he would seek to extend his term beyond the allowed 12 years and instead boasted about how people from warring countries lived together in peace in the village — despite the fact that the Israelis lived far from others with significant security.
“To quote John Glenn,” Bach said, presumably meaning John Lennon, rather than the late American astronaut and politician. “You may think we’re dreamers, but we’re not alone.”
Thomas Bach confuses late American star John Glenn with John Lennon during final press conference
Team GB participants donate their surplus snacks
Britain’s athletes and staff did not go hungry thanks to the large quantities of Aldi snacks sent to the Games.
All leftover food, including bourbons and custard creams, will be donated to local food banks.
Marseille robbers can’t forget glorious Olympic sailing competitions
Marseille offered a beautiful setting for sailing, but some had a different story to tell about the city. Warnings were issued to those staying at a Holiday Inn near the station after a series of incidents involving thieves outside.
A female reporter had her sunglasses ripped off her face and a hole punched in the bottom of her backpack by assailants.