British athletes stink. No, really.

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BEIJING -- Media are running around here looking for hostility between Russian and Georgian athletes because of the conflict in that part of the world.

We should be paying more attention to the Brits and Aussies.

After Britain’s Rebecca Adlington won the 400-meter freestyle in swimming the other day, John Coates, the Australian Olympic Committee president said, ‘It’s not bad for a country that has no swimming pools and very little soap.’’

That’s a low blow. I’ve been to Britain and seen swimming pools.

(Just kidding. A country that gave us Monty Python and Tracy Ullman ought to be able to take a joke.)

Sport Intern suggests that Coates is merely escalating the war of words that began before the Games.

Andy Burnham, the British Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said, ‘Old rivals like Australia...are saying they are in danger of falling behind Team GB in the medal table.’’

Kate Ellis, Australia’s Minister for Sport, shot back, ‘British sportsmen and women in the past have been known to choke under the pressure when up against the Aussies.’’

Why can’t they all just do we do -- pick on the French?

--Randy Harvey

Bronze medalist Joanne Jackson (GBR), gold medalist Rebecca Adlington (GBR) and silver medalist Katie Hoff (USA) pose with their medals after the medal ceremony for the Women’s 400m Freestyle. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE