Weighty issue

AN Australian soldier was ordered off ceremonial duties at the recent world swimming championships because he was too "chunky".

"In my 27 years of service, I have never been so professionally insulted," saidRay Douglas, who was removed from poolside duties in Perth in January after defence minister Ian McLachlan spotted him on television. "I was informed that I was 'chunky' and not suitable for media coverage, he said.

- Reuters, Adelaide