Ian torp escaped disqualification

The Australian swimmer Ian Torp was given the opportunity to defend his title of Olympic champion at a crown distance of 400 meters in frequency in Athens.

At a recent national qualifying tournament, the torp twice made a false bank and, according to international rules, was disqualified , and also deprived of the opportunity to perform at 2004 games at his crown distance. His place was taken by Craig Stevens, who won the country's championship at this distance.

Torp appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Swimming Federation with a request, despite Falstart, to allow him to protect his title in Athens. The athlete also made a proposal to cancel the need for qualification selection for existing Olympic champions.

As a result, on Monday, Stevens officially announced that he refused to perform at the Athens at a 400-meter and intends to concentrate at other distances, RIA Novosti reports. Thus, Stevens actually lost the right to his teammate to act at his crown distance at the Olympics.