According to The Guardian Weynay Ghebresilasie, the Eritrean flag-bearer in the London Olympics, has asked for asylum in the UK– turning his back on a life as a conscript in the army of one of the world's most reclusive and repressive regimes. He is 3000m steeplechase runner.

He gave continually worsening conditions in his country as a reason for seeking asylum. He is the first one to go public on why he has chosen to claim asylum. Visa for Olympic athletes run out in November but Weynay said that he has already spoken to UK immigration officials.

Three other Eritrean athletes including Rehaset Mehari, the team's only female athlete, have also claimed asylum but were not willing to come forward to speak due to fears of retribution against their families.

Weynay said that there are reasons to be concerned about our families because the regime is unpredictable and is likely to treat my actions as a betrayal.

Asked if he could one day envisage himself competing for Britain, should the right circumstances evolve, he replied: "I still very much love my country and it's the harsh conditions and lack of basic human rights which has compelled me to seek asylum."

"Who knows what the future holds but for now I'm taking things one day at a time and I hope to continue to pursue my first love which is athletics."

"The situation forces people to do things that may cost them their life, but at the end of the day sometimes there isn't a choice," Weynay said. 

The entire Cameroon squad, athletes from other African countries including Guinea and Ivory Coast have also gone missing in the London Olympics.