Austria National Olympic Committee president Karl Stoss has admitted that he is "very upset" following the incident which saw three of his nation's competitors injured on the eve of the European Games.
Synchronised swimmers Vanessa Sahinovic, Luna Pajer and Verena Breit were caught up in a bus accident at the Athletes' Village on Thursday afternoon, with each requiring medical attention at the scene.
However, Anna-Maria Alexandri and Eirini-Marina Alexandri still took part in this morning's opening synchronised swimming event, claiming fourth place in the free routine preliminary round.
"The girls feel they are competing for the injured ones," Stoss told the official Baku 2015 site. "Absolutely, totally. There is a very strong support together to think about what has happened with Vanessa.
"They are pretty strong. They did a really good presentation and everyone is looking forward to the competition. It's a drama to come here to the first European Games and to have such an accident. I'm very upset. We are not angry, it was the wrong time and the wrong place."
Stoss also confirmed that the injured Breit is not fit to take part in the inaugural Games, but she will remain in the Austria camp to help with team morale.
Daniel Lewis
