SOUTHAMPTON-based liner Queen Mary 2 could house some of the US's Olympic competitors to protect them from a possible terrorist attack.

American team bosses are considering the move after a series of bomb blasts in Athens last week.

It would see big names staying on board the ship instead of in the Athens Games Village.

QM2, the biggest and most expensive liner built, was already due be berthed in the nearby port of Piraeus for the duration of the games, which run from August 12 to 30.

It is to be used as a floating hotel for 3,000 VIPs, including heads of state.

But US Olympic chiefs are now considering using some of its allocated VIP place for high-

profile superstars because they believe tight security surrounding the ship will make it safer than staying in the centre of the city.

Multi-millionaire basketball players such as Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant would be likely to be among those chosen to stay on board QM2 if the idea goes ahead.

Other high-profile competitors who are likely to feature in Athens include tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and sprinters Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery.

Jim Tooley, director of US Basketball, confirmed using the QM2 was an option under consideration.

He said: "We are not going to leave any stone unturned in making sure we have done everything possible to protect our athletes."

The Cunard-owned liner, which has been chartered along with seven others by the Athens organising committee, will be at the centre of some of the strictest security measures ever seen at a major international sporting event.

Vessels from the US's 6th Fleet are set to patrol waters off the Greek coast while QM2 is berthed at Piraeus.

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