Greek diver injured as springboard breaks

Funding cuts in Greece lead to diving coach warning of life-threatening neglect after a diver is injured when a springboard breaks.

A Greek diver was injured in training when the pool springboard broke on Thursday, the diving federation said, accusing the state of "life-threatening" neglect.

The federation said 21-year-old Michalis Fafalis suffered lower back injuries when the springboard "broke in two" at the Olympic training centre of Agios Kosmas, south of Athens.

"The life of the athletes is in danger...we conduct our training under tragic conditions," national coach Petros Fyrigos said in a statement.

"I am truly ashamed of the indifference and neglect shown by the state."

Fafalis had been training for the European championships, to be held in Berlin in August, the federation said.

Greece, nearly bankrupt in 2010 and slowly emerging from economic crisis and a six-year recession, was forced to make massive cuts to state spending including sports funding.


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Greek diver injured as springboard breaks | SBS News