Aussie lifter accused of demanding cash

SYDNEY – An Australian weightlifter has been accused of demanding A$5,000 ($4,900) to compete at an event where his participation was essential to allow his country to win a berth at the London Olympics. Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) chief Michael Keelan has levelled the accusation at Daniel Koum and said he and other team members had been forced to dig into their pockets before the weightlifter would compete. Cameroon-born Koum said he was “very disappointed” at the allegations. “I’m very shocked,” he told Australian Associated Press. — AFP