Olympics Bosses Defend Schwarzenegger

The former movie star will take part in the ceremonial carrying of the Olympic flame ahead of the games' opening ceremony in Vancouver on Friday (12Feb10).

But the decision to include Schwarzenegger has infuriated some critics, who are unhappy with the star's past admission to using drugs while he was a bodybuilding champion - a practice which is banned in the Olympics.

But John Furlong, chief executive of Olympics organising committee, is adamant Schwarzenegger deserves his place in the event.

Furlong says, "He has taken an extraordinary position on the environment and has developed a great relationship with the province of British Columbia. He is a powerful spokesman and is very popular here. He has been here many times and he helps focus attention on what we are doing."