Aussie press blasts Perec

SYDNEY, SEPTEMBER 22: Fleeing French star Marie-Jose Perec received a tongue lashing from the Australian press today as they accused her of 8220;running scared8221; from an anticipated class with hometown favourite Cathy Freeman.

Mademoiselle La Chicken, Sydney tabloid The Daily Telegraph dubbed the reclusive Atlanta double gold medallist. 8220;Perec flees before facing Cathy.8221;

The tabloid continued its assault calling her ill-prepared and accusing her of running scared from a showdown with Freeman, the Atlanta silver medallist and the fastest woman over 400m so far this year.

8220;The abrupt decision of Perec to leave Australia seems certain to rob one of the Games8217; premier event of some of its excitement,8221; the tabloid said.