From: USA TODAY
Syrian-American swimmer Azad Al-Barazi trains at the University of Southern California with the Trojan Swim Club.
(Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO – A “Baywatch” lifeguard from Los Angeles was held at a Rio airport for three hours on Wednesday because officials refused to believe he was an Olympic swimmer.
Azad Al-Barazi, who will compete for Syria in the 100m breaststroke on Saturday, arrived at Rio’s Galeao airport but had a frustrating battle with immigration and Olympic personnel due to a mix-up regarding his credentials.
“There were some issues with the Syrian federation,” Al-Barazi told USA TODAY Sports by telephone, after finally arriving at the Athletes’ Village. “They didn’t tell the International Olympic Committee I was arriving. There was no accreditation for me. It created some problems.”