The Mercury Sunday Times More. A number of high-profile Australian Olympians have already been targeted for their services since their medal haul at last year's Sydney Games. Cashed-up Greek officials are leading the charge. They have cast a worldwide net to catch potential medal-winning sportsmen and women with Greek heritage who are nationalised out of the country. Foremost on the hit list was dual Olympic gold medal shooter Michael Diamond.
Most countries are willing to pay a lot for sportsmen.
Diamond told The Australian . Olympic discus thrower Lisa-Marie Vizaniari, whose father is Greek, is another Australian who has been sought by Hellenic headhunters. Athletes over there are very highly financed. Other Australians sought by overseas interests include Olympic triple jump silver medallist Jai Taurima. He was approached by New Zealand but, like Diamond, did not accept the offers.