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Mark Humphrey / AP
An opening ceremony cast member walked with the Indian team during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday.
A woman managed to gatecrash the Indian Olympic team’s march round the stadium at the Games' opening ceremony, it has emerged.
The interloper –- said to be one of the thousands of volunteers who took part in the show –- walked alongside flag-carrier and wrestler Sushil Kumar at the head of the team at Friday's event, causing anger among Indian Olympic officials.
In stark contrast to the athletes, who were dressed in blue and yellow, the interloper was dressed in a red jacket and light-blue pants.
She also sported a broad smile in some of the photographs.
Sebastian Coe, chairman of Games organizers LOCOG, told the daily press conference Sunday that he could confirm “that she was a cast member [of the opening ceremony show], who clearly got slightly over-excited.”
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“I think there’s a very important point here to take into consideration – and I don’t minimize the fact she got into the Opening Ceremony – she could not have got in the opening ceremony without having gone through all our security protocols anyway,” Coe said.
“Don’t run away with the idea she had walked in off the street to do that,” he added.
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He said he would be speaking to Indian officials about what happened.
The Deccan Chronicle newspaper identified the woman as a graduate student from Bangalore, India.
Read more on the Olympics from NBC News
Indian Olympic official P.K. Muralidharan Raja was quoted by the paper as saying they had been "initially told that she would accompany the contingent ’til the track, but she went on to take the entire lap. There was another man also, but he stayed back and did not enter the stadium.”
Harpal Singh Bedi, Indian Olympic team press attache, told a press conference that the gatecrasher "not only walked, she led our contingent. It looked like she was the leader," according to an AP Television report.
"... if this had happened in India, people would say 'you don't know how to run the Games, security problems,' ... I think this was definitely a security lapse," he added.
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Leave a Comment:
Mitt the Drag Queen, that's Mitt Romney in Drag, trying to crash the OlymPig party
I saw her with that broad smile, Red Madras top and blue pants and Im like, wow, that must be their cook..either that, or it was a setup by Pakistan.
no, it loks like you
some random girl walks with India during the opening ceremony
some random (Indian) girl
Some random Indian girl who was a bit part member in the opening ceremony, didn't think the part was sufficient for her talent, and commandeered a starring role.
Gee, despite all that security this girl manages to do what she did. Perhaps Mitt was right after all about there being some holes in security.
So much for all of the security preparation and precautions. It seems like they need to reexamine some of their security procedures before someone intent on doing harm manages to breach the security.
Girls just wanna have fun.
random screened volunteer who also happened to be an Indian national (goes to her motivation).
it wasnt' really a security lapse so much as a protocol lapse. Definetly a lapse and understandably VERY upsetting for India. She walked out front! It is very embarracing.
she made a fool of them, and herself. It was pretty selfish of her.
those saying "romney was right"
no, fools,
she was already screened through the tightest security and was supposed to be with the Indian team just step back for the public part when they entered the stadium circle.
it was not a security breach, it was a protocal breach and very embarracing but NOT about security.
I am sure there were blunders in Romney's olympics too. We dont' know or remember them...maybe nothing like this.
but Romney for example pledged complete transparency then refused to release details about relationships and conflicts of interest with sponsors who also had relationship with Bain and got payback by investements from him. Apparently there were a lot of irregularities...many donors and vendors were Bain companies or had relationships with Bain. Romney then erased, got rid of the hard drives and all the data.
So yah, it wasn't a public thing that LOOKED BAD but BAD STUFF happened.
Must have been horrifying for the Indians (do not confuse with Native Americans, please), as they are so class conscious. One of the most bigoted nations on the planet.
screminmimi - first of all, I do not agree with you. Secondly, it has nothing to do with this incident.
Oh really and the US isn't. You guys have class based system based on money. First of all kudos on your knowledge as opposed to most americans who think the Indians in the US are the "original" Indians so I have to give you credit for that. Your ancestors took over this nation, and then of course gave them some land to build casinos as compensation creating a class system based on money. Blacks have been subjugated numerous times and isnt that a class based system, even now in corporate america there are numerous cases of discrimination based on color, class. Watch as the middle class gets pummelled with the economic crisis in the US and then guess what riots, bribes will become main stream and the class system will permeate here too. The UK did the same colonized the world, divided them based on religion, looted them and then left them in a broken state. Guess what well history comes around, look at the issues of UK now, they can't put up with people of other idealogies, wars based on class are starting to happen. Very easy to look at a country that has 1000's of years of history and expect it to be perfect. Give the US sometime and let's see where it stands in the world order
With our many sins, we in the US don't kill our own daughters because they marry the wrong "class" of citizen, as the Indian mother did not so long ago... with the help of the bride's sisters.
Also, in India, 1000's of babies born female are aborted or somehow disposed of. I have personally talked to an Indian doctor who said that many families did not want a female baby, and he says this happens more than you think.
Also, any color or religion class has more freedom in the US than any other country. It's not perfect, but I have friends from all races,etc. that are millionaires. If you work hard, and not sit on your ass, like many people do, you'll get somewhere.
The women in the US are spoiled. Try spending time in a Muslin country, and see how far they'll get. I hate seeing the spoiled girls on TV, whining.
@ screminmimi - no we leave that to their classy husbands......
@ screminmimi
In the US we shoot each other, or lets not forget we like to molest kids too. US has its share of freaks same with India. We are no different.
@screminmimi Yes I know thats shameful but don't generalize a billion people based on that. The practices of few have tarnished a nation. Umm how about I make a statement that I see old US men in Thailand that have relationships with young women many underage just because you can "buy" women there with some dollars. Shall I make a statement that all US men are like that? Or how about the priests in the US sleeping with boys, how about I pass a sweeping judgement that the entire christian faith in the US is made of sick perverted people. Sure that makes sense doesn't it.
Sam - well actually on that Vatican part...yeah, probably ok to generalize to Catholics overall...they still knowingly support that system, so..........
@ Worldtraveler,
It's actually Muslim, not Muslin. I don't think that type of fabric is a country.
It wasn't BEFORE the UK colonized it. The British reinforced the weak class differences so it became easier to rule over them with codified classes. Divide and conquer. The Brits are all about subjugation. Their biggest contribution to the world. The Brits even hated the Jews so much the deliberately chose land owned by the Palestinians and took it away to settle Jews. That way, the Brits hands were "clean" and the displaced Palestinians would do their dirty work and the Brits could appear as diplomats however weakly they plied their "diplomacy".
What a shame. Two days into the event and we have thousands of empty seats "saved for the corporate sponsors" and a college student volunteer marching in with those who have spent years to simply make it to the Olympics to compete. What a shame Britain. You are starting to show the world you are not concerned with the detail. Billions of London tax dollars at work. Start holding people accountable and don't forget to tell us soon how you will handle this simple " cast member [of the opening ceremony show], whclearly got slightly over-excited.”"ending up absolutely where shedidn't belong. Watch this be swept under the carpet quick so that they can move onto more important issues. And to anyone who wishes to respond to my comments....my Daughter was in the Olympics in 2004 and it took an incredible amount of time, personal sacrifice, and money to train to get there. The opening ceremonial march by the athletes is just that. It is a time for these athletes to show the world who has made it to this level in their training and for the world to see who will represent their Country in front of the World. This is not some school prank or joke to march in because you want to "prove you could march in the Olympics". Sick practical joke and a slap in the face to every Olympian out there. Way to go Britain!
i wouldnt' blame the UK
this young woman was a volunteer, screened and vetted, and had earned their trust and just blew it for very selfish reasons
she's not a kid, she's a grad student at least probably in her mid 20s or older.
I agree though they are under spinning it. They should act like it was more of slap than they did. They fell short in their apology. ALl they said was fine but they needed to up the appreciation of the seriousness of what she did. They should have condemned her for doing what she did. It was a breech of trust. They should of owned that they didn't catch her and said they'd look into why and apologise for that.
Congratulations to your daughter and the entire family for your support of her. I agree. As a former Olympic Official for two Olympics I can say that it was very wrong for her to do that. She wanted attention so badly that I believe that her name should be released so her family can be "proud" of her actions and future employers know how she can follow simple instructions.
The March of the Athletes is one of the special moments afforded to every athlete. Whether or not you win a medal, you can have this special honor.
By crashing it, she discounted and made fun of all the efforts each athlete made to get there.
She should be allowed the full attention of her act. Name her.
She's a volunteer..went a little to far thats all.
Follow me please..watch your step..just do what I do and keep smiling please.
Now if she pulled out a Pakistan flag..that's a whole new ballgame.
she shoulda streaked wearing a cap saying "suck it".
Better to continue beaming, than to have tried to duck out. She missed the cue and the show had to go on..GOOD FOR HER!!!!!
I was wondering when someone was going to mention "streaked".
NSFW: http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dancing-girls-at-the-closing-ceremony-of-the-montreal-news-photo/2668610
It is sad. She spoiled the carefully crafted harmony of yellow saris and navy blazers. The Indian team worked hard on this look and she totally degraded it. I hope she got some sort of punishment. I am sure her parents are so embarrassed. I do not understand it. She is a graduate student and from Bangalore, which has the smartest people in India.
Shame on her, shame on her. Shame.
Nope, read the label on the suits, "Made in China"
Beg pardon, but you are not going to argue that Humanity is smart?! Show me the evidence!
NC, I agree that the human race isn't smart. Individuals are, but people as a whole....
I so agree
she should be reviled by everyone
they should out her name
she was very selfish and also broke the trust of the British people in who's name the Olympic leaders hired her as a volunteer. She was given a job to do as a volunteer and took advantage
what a jerk!
Laurali, I'll take pains to inform you that the energetic balance to judgement is karma and one used injudiciously will cause the other to reflexively respond.......
I guess I missed it when I left the room. I detest the marching of the athletes..takes so long. Next time have them in the stadium prior and just skip that marching part.
Hey Brian, really sorry that the athletes wasted your valuable television viewing time by having their moment walking into the stadium. A moment for which they've worked their tails off for most of their lives...
Pitiful excuse from those Brits. Clear they had no security. All the BS about being part of the "cast". Even I noted she did not wear a "security" tag. Say what?
Romney clearly knew what he was talking about when he said the Brits not yet ready for prime time.
Wakani
People in glass houses...:
...shouldnt throw stones. Google 'Centennial Olympic Park bombing'
With 10's of thousands of volunteers who've already been screened for security stopping one from simply stepping into the parade would be impossible. You people trying to make this as some major breach of security need to get a grip.
didn't read the article, eh:
she passed security and was not a security risk. She was a volunteer and had the job of walking the Indian athletes to the stadium. She was then supposed to drop back but didn't...on her own accord. As a volunteer vetted and checked, she took advantage to glorify herself.
but it was not a security breech it was an protocol breech. It is like an employee behaving badly. Not a securiity breech but it sucks still.
Hey Mitt, the Brits seem to be doing it right. Even Her Magesty got into the act at the opening by jumping from a helicopter. The old gal still has a sense of humor.
She was their guide, making sure the team went to the correct place, as well as being a cast member so NO security breach. She got carried away and kept walking when she should have stopped.
To be honest at least she was smiling and waving the rest of the Indian's looked as if they had something stuck up their ass.
Tim, you said Santa Claus was to be the guide? Get your excuses straight lady.
Got a little carried away, or just wasn't clear on how far she was supposed to escort them. It seems either could be an explanation on why she ended up there.
Who cares she has big smile on her face and she was having the time of her life if anything the rest should have followed her..
She is human being and should be respected as such some of the comments here rip into her like she's a pariah get over yourselves.
Respected. She be no better than pig dung. Fact is she looks like a hefty piece of pig dung. Say What?
she did something very disrespectful. THose athletes worked hard all their lives to get the chance to walk around the Olympic stadium
she did not
she took that for herself and even walked in front not dressed correctly. She embarraced the hosts, as a volunteer she is supposed to HELP not HURT. She upset the Indian deligation who are guests of her host.
she does not deserve respect here because of her actions
India is so overpopulated that another person here or there isn't even noticed. The woman was educated in India and was probably invited to take a lap with the team. With all the mistakes the UK made during its colonization this can hardly be seen as anything but trivial.
Excuses but the fact is the Brits were clearly not ready, by any stretch. Pitful.
Robert Ann: Eeducated in India. That be an oxymoron.
Looked like fun, maybe I'll try it in the next Olympics. It would be nice to have some normal people involved don't you think?
She should be the poster child for the group "The one jerk who ruins things for everyone else".
Oh, well , Romney concerns are valid , and should be heeded.
The real crashers at the Olympics are the professional athletes. Ever since they started letting pros compete, the Games have been on a slide. It not only takes away a chance for the unheralded amateurs to make a name for themselves, it skews the results in a lot of contests. Who cares if the US basketball team beats Japan 150-43 or what ever results? It just makes the games more non-sensical. If some person has decided to forgo competing in the Olympics and opted for a pro career, so be it. But after a year or years of playing pro, they have no business competing against people who train with less money and a lesser caliber instruction and competition. It is just plain not fair and in a sense makes it almost look like these pros going against grade children. Let these crashers come and watch what they missed, or maybe they will take a year before they turn pro and compete with the rest of the amateurs.
Give it a rest Indian Officials, she looks great in read and blue, it combines with those pale yellow :-)
Pretty ballsy if you ask me.
Sound the alarm, the little peasants are out of control. Obviously, the martial law practitioner $trillionaire masters, like the UK royals, the Olympic syndicate, and their little bitch Sebastian Coe, didn't station nearly enough rooftop missiles and other WMDs around London. The people's rebellion must be crushed with mandatory house arrest, reeducation camps, and implantable RFID chips, for all.
Crashing the Olympics and marching in with the team? I thought they were referring to Michele Obama! No class at all...
she was in the audience, what is your problem?
She was like fresh air. Don't forget the idea of the games. They should promote understanding among cultures and celebrate humanity. Of course, there is a lot of commercialization around and unfortunately Indian Officials showed they have no spirit. Imagine how would it look... if Sushil Kumar (or someone else around her) would shake her hand with big smile and enjoy the moment together with her!
The true is that it shouldn't happen... but on the other side... she was from India and she looked more excited than all Indian athletes together. No big deal. Wake up, people!
I wonder what the Brits think of Romney's statements now??? All he said that it was disconcerting. Looks like he was being polite.
To everyone stating that this is "no big deal," and "everyone is overreacting," and "good for her..."
You just don't get it. What this girl did was not "innocent," and if I was Indian, I would be very frustrated/angry with her. She had absolutly no right whatsoever to be in the parade, and her actions are an extreme insult to those that "earned" the right to be there. Her gall and disrespect (especially since she was at the head of her countries delegation, right next to the flag bearer) is unbelievable and unacceptable. Indian nationals have every right to be fuming about this.
As I mentioned further up, it is possible that she wasn't totally clear about her duties as escort and ended up escorting too far. In that case, it might not have been out of disrespect but because of a misunderstanding. We need more information on why she did it (a mistake or her trying to elevate herself to a status she didn't deserve.)
Well Brits, Guess Romney had in right.
Appears the "gaff" was a warning.