Aussies make colossal mistake

Australia has become embroiled in a controversy of colossal proportions just weeks before the Sydney Olympics, after it was revealed yesterday that the wrong image had been embossed on the Olympic medals.

Embarrassed Games organisers were having to explain last night why the Colosseum in Rome - instead of the Parthenon in Athens - was depicted on the medals.

The Times of London newspaper quoted critics saying the country would be an international laughing stock with the gaffe reinforcing the image of Australians as beer-swilling fools.

The classical error, already dubbed the "Colosseum controversy," will not be reversed, with organisers saying it is too late to melt down the medals and recast them in time for the Games opening on September 15.

Herald Online Olympic News