Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake's watch ordeal during the 100m final "could be more serious than it initially appeared," according to SPORTUNE.fr. In the race where Blake won the Silver Medal, he wore a watch that was not authorized by the IOC. The result could be some serious sanctions including a possible disqualification from the event as article 40 of Olympic Rules suggests. IOC Communications Dir Mark Adams said, "I did not personally witness it. But I do suppose that yes we will look into the case and analyze it" (SPORTUNE.fr, 8/9). In Paris, Hayat Gazzane wrote Blake "risks disqualification" for wearing a Richard Mille watch instead of one from Omega who is the official sponsor of the Games. The watch, valued at $500,000, "could cost him a lot." The rules state: "Unless an authorization is given by the IOC Exec Committee, no participant, coach, instructor or official that participates in the Olympic Games is allowed to let himself, his name, image or sporting performances be exploited for publicity means during the Olympic Games." Even if the "extreme measure" of disqualifying Blake does not take place, he could still face a fine. In the 200m final on Thursday night, Blake "left his watch in the locker rooms" (LE FIGARO, 8/11).
