The former Australian swimmer, who won eight Olympic medals during her career, including four gold, has claimed that she fears there could be a terrorist incident in Delhi to rival what happened during the 1972 Olympic Games when Palestinians killed 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials after taking them hostage when they stormed the Athletes Village.

Fennell has tried to reassure the visiting athletes and officials from the 70 countries due to compete that they will have nothing to fear when they travel to India for the Games, which are due to be opened by Prince Charles on October 3.

He said: "We should respect freedom of speech but I think she is not sufficiently informed to make such a statement.

"The second International Security Liaison Conference was held in Delhi in late July and the reports we received indicated that security planning for the Games remains sound and of the highest priority.

"The CGF also has its own security advisors, International Risks.

"They will be in Delhi again in September to provide a further security review to us.

"Providing a safe environment for the athletes is of the utmost importance."

The Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) have also acted quickly to quell fears raised by Fraser, who won three Commonwealth Games gold medals during her career.

Perry Crosswhite, the ACGA's chief executive, said: "I don't think Dawn's been to Delhi recently and I don't think she has the information we have, if she did I don't think she would have made the comments she did.

"We believe at this stage, it will be safe and it will be secure.

"My personal view is that the Commonwealth Games is not going to be a target, because most of the nations in the Commonwealth are developing nations, we have all religions and we have all political systems."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2010: Exclusive - Commonwealth Games will be outstanding and safe promises Fennell
May 2010: Kenya have no fears about New Delhi says Keino
May 2010: Commonwealth Games will be safe but still concerns over whether Delhi will be ready in time
May 2010: New warning of terror attacks in Delhi ahead of Commonwealth Games
April 2010: New Zealand netball players fear for safety at Commonwealth Games