Underwear Gig Draws Out The Critical Questions

The Age

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Annabel Stafford Sydney, with AAP

THERE'S nothing Australians love more than an Olympian. Except maybe an Olympian in their undies.

So when gold-medallist Stephanie Rice and former beau Eamon Sullivan marked their return to Australian soil yesterday with a gig for underwear company Davenport, the fans turned out in force. But there was not a lot of focus on the pair's swimming achievements.

Most questions concerned whether or not Rice had locked lips with Olympic swimming powerhouse Michael Phelps in Beijing, how Sullivan felt about the rumoured kiss and whether he had engaged in any "party pashes" of his own.

For the record: Rice said nothing had gone on between her and Phelps, though he was "a huge inspiration"; Sullivan said it was none of his business if Rice had kissed Phelps, and, as for party pashes, he had very much enjoyed his week off in Beijing, thank you.

The returning Olympians, while lower on the medal table than at the previous two Games, were still the pride of Australia, according to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who was there to greet them.

Mr Rudd told Channel Nine he would consider a British-style lottery to raise funds for the next Olympic effort, while six-time Olympian James Tomkins - who refused to rule out a seventh Olympic bid - told the crowd it was "only appropriate we spoil the party over in London". -- With AAP

© 2008 The Age

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