Haining joins bitter fight about on-boat cameras
World lightweight champion Peter Haining joined the storm of protest over cameras on the bows of boats on Tuesday after reaching the Olympic single scull semifinals.

"It makes a big difference in a headwind like that to add another kilo in weight to the boat," complained the British hope. "I'm really unhappy about it."

Canadian sculler Silken Laumann said she and her coach only found out about the miniature television cameras when they arrived at the regatta.

"It was a surprise to my coach and a surprise to me," she said. "We would have liked a chance to test it and see if it slowed the boat down."

In spite of the criticism, Games rowing chiefs insisted the cameras stay--unless lake conditions deteriorate.

The International Rowing Federation claimed all national governing bodies were told about the revolutionary move last year.

Another bus was hijacked by the British women's eight as they tried to reach the venue on time.

"Three buses dropped athletes off but refused to take on passengers. When the fourth arrived we just forced our way on to it and told the driver to take us to the rowing," said stroke Alison Gill.

Some spectators had the same problem and arrived too late for the racing.

Haining, lighter, shorter, and older than most of his rivals, finished second in his repechage to reach the two-race last 12.

"I should have been out today but I'm not because of the lightweight character--because I'm willing to fight for every inch," he said.

"I want it as much as they do, probably more, and I can scull as well as them. It's just that they are physical freaks."

This story written by Reuters correspondents