Olympic medalist’s decision to speak out over alleged 1998 sexual assault sparks public outcry in Greece
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Bekatorou did not name the person she is accusing. On Saturday, Aristides Adamopoulos — the vice Chairman of the HSF Board — resigned, according to the Greek sailing body.
Bekatorou said the alleged assault took place in 1998 during preparations for the Sydney Olympics, that were held two years later.
Now 43, Bekatorou said a male official performed a “lewd act” after inviting her to his hotel room to discuss preparations ahead of the Sydney Olympics. The athlete said the act was not consensual.
Bekatorou said she wanted talk about her traumatic experience in the hope that young athletes would not be afraid to speak out.
“I said no, I repeated that I didn’t want to go on and he used fake sweet talk and said it is nothing and trying to be funny,” said Bekatorou.
“He said he would stop if I didn’t want it but he didn’t, no matter what I said to him. Crying and feeling ashamed I left the room when he finished and removed himself from me.”
However on Saturday, the HSF made a sudden about-face, releasing an additional statement.
“In order to preserve the prestige of the Federation, the honor and reputation of all athletes, coaches and actors in the sport and to facilitate the investigation for which the final decision is made by Justice, we immediately requested and received the resignation of vice Chairman of the Board Aristides Adamopoulos,” said the HSF.
Athens prosecutor
Adamopoulos said he was being subjected to trial by the media.
“It is the minimal conquest of any democratic state governed by the rule of law and the corresponding obligation of institutions and the media not to target individuals, distribute their photographs, or to have already convicted the so called “perpetrator” before he is given the opportunity to speak and give his view on facts made public by a third party,” said Adamopoulos in a statement.
Meanwhile, another senior HSF board member — Yiannis Papapiditriou — has submitted his resignation, in support of Bekatorou.
And after saying he had talked with Bekakorou, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also praised her courage to speak out.
The Hellenic Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
“We need to have a safe, ethical, decent and pure sports environment,” said Kapralos in a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile Greek media reported on Saturday that the Athens prosecutor will order a preliminary investigation on Monday, with Bekatorou expected to testify during the week.
Additional reporting by John Sinnott.
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