KEY POINTS:
BEIJING - Discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina wants to quit the Olympic Games team, but is upset she has to pay for her own plane ticket to get out of Beijing early.
Faumuina, the New Zealand flagbearer in Athens four years ago, was booked to fly home on a charter flight on August 26 as part of the team.
But once she was eliminated in the qualifying round last week after finishing 28th, she agitated for an early exit.
Faumuina, 33, was told if she did not go on the charter flight she would have to pay for her own travel, news that apparently upset her.
Chef de mission Dave Currie confirmed to NZPA that Faumuina wanted out.
"Beatrice has indicated she wants to go home earlier. If she does choose to go, it's at her cost."
Athletics manager Raylene Bates told NZPA "certainly her plan is to go home early, but she hasn't confirmed anything yet".
Faumuina had not checked out of the Olympic Village, and was out visiting friends today, Bates said.
When travel plans were made up to eight months ago, athletes were offered a good deal of flexibility, Currie said.
Those with post-Olympic competitions, such as professional soccer player Ryan Nelsen and road cyclist Julian Dean, were permitted to leave.
Otherwise, athletes were meant to remain in Beijing as part of the team and travel home together, Currie said.
"People support you and you go out and support your mates," Currie said.
"If Beatrice has gone, you'd have to say you're disappointed with her, but once somebody's gone she's gone.
"The key right now is the team providing support for each other."
After she bombed out in the discus, Faumuina launched a broadside at the news media for undermining her Olympic experience.
"Regardless of whether you guys write me off or whatever, you did that last year and not only insulted, or disappointed myself, but my family.
"But I tell you what, I came back and I'm looking forward to next year. You can't take this moment away from me no matter how much you write it off."
- NZPA
