GAMES: Countess' kiss for Aussie medal winner breaks protocol

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GAMES: Countess' kiss for Aussie medal winner breaks protocol

By Chris Marritt

MANCHESTER, Aug 1 PA - Australian Eliza Jane Stankovic was given an extra-special congratulationwhen she was presented with her medal by the Countess of Wessex.

Stankovic had just won a bronze medal in the 800m women's wheelchair race on the finalday of athletics at the City of Manchester Stadium last night.

But instead of a warm handshake with her medal, Stankovic was given a royal peck oneach cheek by Sophie.

It was the third time the Countess had broken with Commonwealth Games - and Royal -protocol as she congratulated medal winners in Manchester.

Earlier this week, Scottish cyclist Chris Hoy and Mozambique's 800m champion MariaMutola had each received a kiss from the Countess along with their gold medals at theirvictory ceremonies.

A spokeswoman for the Games today refused to comment on Sophie's choice of congratulation,but said: "Most of them do give a handshake."

"I don't think they are told to, it is just what they find comfortable," she added.

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KEYWORD: GAMES KISS