Wrestler throws tantrum

Thursday, August 14: "I don't care about this medal. I wanted gold", said Swedish greco-roman wrestler Ara Abrahamian after he’d stormed off the podium and flung the bronze he’d won in the 84kg competition to the ground in disgust. In what was the tantrum of the Olympics so far, Abrahamian then pounded his fist against an aluminium barricade, as he railed against a decision that had gone against him.

"This will be my last match", the Armenian-born 33-year-old declared, bringing to a sad end an impressive career, the highlights of which were two world championships and a silver in Athens four years ago. Abrahamian had been furious with the referee and judges who'd adjudicated his semi-final against Andrea Minguzzi, the Italian who eventually won gold. Abrahamian's coach blamed the result on 'politics'.

FIRST POSTED AUGUST 14, 2008