JOC Mistake Costs Hammer Thrower Seat On IOC's Athletes' Commission

The IOC cautioned Japan's Olympic body during the London Games over a handbook that urged its athletes to vote for hammer thrower Koji Murafushi in his campaign to win a seat on the IOC's Athlete's Commission, according to KYODO. The Bronze Medal-winning hammer thrower received enough votes to win election to the commission, but because of "violations of election rules" his selection was nullified by the IOC. The Japanese Olympic Committee "had included a phrase in a Japanese language handbook that urged athletes to vote for him." IOC rules state that materials with language not authorized by the IOC cannot be distributed, and putting up posters or presenting gifts is also banned. The JOC is currently appealing the IOC's decision (KYODO, 8/27).