Athens cabbie returns lost medal

The medal lost in Athens was returned by an honest driver

Dutch rower Diederik Simon won a silver medal in the Athens Olympics - only to lose it in the back of a taxi.

Taxi officials put out an emergency call to Athens' taxi association after Simon reported the loss in one of the city's 5,000 cabs on Monday.

The nightmare was ended thanks to the goodwill of the taxi driver, who returned the award.

Now Simon, who won the medal as part of the men's eight rowing event, will go home with more than just memories.

Olympics spokesman Serafim Kotrotsos said: "Special merit should be given to the taxi driver for doing honour to his profession and his country."

Organisers said the taxi driver would receive a gift for his honesty.