Press shock at doping controversy

Greek dailies reflect a widespread sense of anger and dismay over the doping drama that has enveloped Greek sprinting stars Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou.

The story dominates the front pages and has eclipsed final preparations for the Athens Olympics.

Against black backgrounds, headlines and editorials mix gloomy predictions that both athletes will be excluded from the games, with demands that they be given a chance to prove their innocence.

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Black cloud over the great celebration... The Olympic Games start with a megatonne bomb on their Greek foundations.

Eleftherotypia - headline

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Tell us the truth... Kostas [Kenteris], Katerina [Thanou] and [coach Khristos] Tzekos, you owe it to all Greeks to prove now that you are clean. All Greeks demand that the IOC offer the Greek champions a chance to prove their innocence.

Ethnos - headline and editorial

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Thriller with Kenteris and Thanou... their participation in the games is at risk.

To Vima - headline

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Greeks' blood froze in their veins [at the news].

Eleftheros Typos - headline

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A storm will be caused by Greek fans if the Greek athletes are excluded from the Games, because Greeks will justifiably believe Kenteris and Thanou are excluded due to pressures by competing countries, as there is no proof the Greek athletes have used forbidden substances... Whatever the causes, the Greek athletes must be tested immediately.

Ta Nea - editorial

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Is the flame going out?

Sportime - headline

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