SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- China has denied a work visa to a former Olympian who hoped to cover the summer games as a reporter for the official news gathering arm of the Olympics.
Kendra Zanotto of Los Gatos took home a bronze medal for synchronized swimming in 2004 and was going to cover that event for the Olympic News Service until her visa was denied without explanation.
The 26-year-old is affiliated with Team Darfur, a group of athletes concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan that does not support a boycott of the Olympics.
“I never thought when I joined that it would ever be an issue, and unfortunately I think that’s what’s keeping me from going,” Zanotto told KCBS’s Matt Bigler.
The Chinese consulate refused to comment specifically on Zanotto’s situation, stating only that it is not necessary to give a reason for a visa being denied.
None of the 73 athletes competing in the Olympics who are affiliated with Team Darfur have been denied visas.
(jro)
KCBS' Matt Bigler reports
