Hands off Olympic athletes

Attention to detail has been a mantra(口頭禪) of the British Olympic Association in its preparations for the London Games. Its determination(決心) to leave no stone unturned (不遺餘力) has now included advice on the friendly handshake(握手).

The team's head doctor Ian McCurdie said within reason it should be off-limits(禁地). He said hand hygiene(衛生, 保健法) presented one of the biggest risks of infection to the athletes.

It's feared(擔心) the spread(傳播) of disease(疾病) could scupper (毀滅,排水口)their chances of equalling(相當於) their performance at the Beijing Olympics when they finished fourth in the medals table.

If handshaking is unavoidable(不可避免) the team members have been asked to wash as soon as possible as it could be the difference between success and failure(失敗).

Most of them will be living and mingling(混合) with thousands of other athletes in the Olympic village. The British authority(權威) on etiquette(禮儀), Debrett's, said being asked not to shake hands with rivals(對手) and officials seemed a bit extreme(極端), as it could look rude.

And a spokesman(發言人) for the US Olympic team said they would be encouraging(鼓勵) their athletes to meet, greet and interact with as many athletes from other countries as possible.

this repost is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120320_witn_olympic_handshake.shtml