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Egyptian Olympian Who Refused to Shake Hands with Israeli Opponent Sent Home

August 16, 2016
(Photo: Markus Schreiber, AP)

The Egyptian Olympic Committee decided earlier this week to send home Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby for refusing to shake the hands of his Israeli opponent at the end of a match. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), El Shehaby’s behavior went against the Olympic Games’ “rules of fair play” and “spirit of friendship.” “The Egyptian Olympic Committee has also strongly condemned the actions of Mr Islam El Shehaby and has sent him home,” said the IOC in a statement, adding that Egypt’s Olympic Committee had issued a statement declaring respect for all athletes of all nations at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The IOC added that, while the rules of judo do not require the shaking of hands, the behavior by El Shehaby was unacceptable. “The Disciplinary Commission (DC) considered that his behavior at the end of the competition was contrary to the rules of fair play and against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic Values,” said the IOC. “As well as a severe reprimand, the DC has asked the Egyptian Olympic Committee to ensure in future that all their athletes receive proper education on the Olympic…


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