Russian Olympian apologizes for racist Obama tweet, says account was hacked

Irina Rodnina, a three-time Olympic figure skating gold medalist from Russia who lit the cauldron at the opening ceremonies of the Sochi Games last week, said Monday that a racially insensitive tweet on her Twitter account was posted by hackers.

The five-month-old tweet, which featured a banana superimposed over a picture of President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, became news again last week when Rodnina was tapped as one of two people to light the cauldron.

When the tweet first made news, Rodnina bristled at the criticism, saying it was free speech. She also said that the photo was sent to her by friends in the United States, according to the Guardian.

On Monday, she backtracked, apologizing for her reaction and saying she hadn't sent the tweet at all and that her account had been hacked.

I respect the Obama family and apologize for not clearly stating earlier that I don't support the tweeted photo or racism in any form. (1/2)

— Irina Rodnina (@IRodnina) February 10, 2014

My account was hacked and I should have shown better judgement in my initial response and handling of the event. (2/2)

— Irina Rodnina (@IRodnina) February 10, 2014