USA Africa Dialogue Series - Race Is Not Merely A Social Construct!

Track star Voula Papachristou expelled from Olympics after racist tweet

Track star Voula Papachristou has been expelled from the London Olympics after sending a racist tweet on Twitter. The Greek Olympic Team wisely decided to remove Papachristou from the team after the website Keep Talking Greece pointed out her offensive joke, which read "With so many Africans in Greece… At least the
West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!" The original message was posted on Twitter in Greek.

Reactions to Voula Papachristou's racist tweet were swift. Twitter followers immediately began calling for her removal from the Summer Olympic Games 2012 in London. The Greek Olympic Committee ultimately eliminated 23-year-old Papachristou from competing. The track star was in London for the events. Now, she will have to pack and return home in disgrace.

Voula Papachristou issued several apologies for the racist joke on July 25. The first apology was issued in Greek on Twitter, just like the original message. It read, "I apologize if I insulted people! I have no mingling with politics!!! I am only Athlete!!"

A second apology was released by Voula Papachristou later the same day. This message was lengthier and more eloquent. It appeared on TwitLonger, which is not affiliated with Twitter. However, Papachristou did tweet a shortened version of the message along with a link to the full apology:

I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless joke I published on my personal Twitter account. I am very sorry and ashamed for the negative responses I triggered, since I never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights.

My dream is connected to the Olympic Games and I could not possibly participate if I did not respect their values. Therefore, I could never believe in discrimination between human beings and races.

I would like to apologize to all my friends and fellow athletes, who I may have insulted or shamed, the National Team, as well as the people and companies who support my athletic career. Finally, I would like to apologize to my coach and my family.