NEW DELHI: Australia track cyclist Shane Perkins pulled out of the team sprint event today in a show of remorse for making a rude gesture at an official earlier at the Commonwealth Games.
Perkins' self-imposed punishment could cost a gold for Australia, which has dominated the event by winning 10 of the first 11 events.
"I am pulling out of the team sprint because it's respectful for my team," Perkins, who won the individual sprint yesterday, was quoted as saying by the Australian media. He made the gesture at unofficial after being disqualified from the gold medal race in the keirin event on Wednesday.
"I want to set an example for other people in the team," he was quoted as saying.