Rogge backs Athens to be ready

IOC CHIEF Jacques Rogge came to the aid of beleaguered organisers of this year’s Athens Olympics yesterday, saying he had absolute confidence they would be ready to welcome the world’s athletes.

With deadlines for completing venue and infrastructure tightening all the time because of delays in early work on construction, Rogge said he knew some people questioned whether Athens would be ready in time.

“I want to say in the most categorical way that the International Olympic Committee supports the Greek effort with absolute confidence,” Rogge told the opening day of a meeting of the world’s national Olympic committees.