Wednesday, February 13, 2002
Russians aren't red over judges
By STEVE SIMMONS -- Toronto Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- Controversy, what controversy?
That appears to be the attitude in Russia, where Anton Sikharulidze and Elena Berezhnaya are being celebrated for their gold medal victory in pairs skating.
The judging isn't even a consideration.
"There is no controversy," said Nikolai Dolgopolov of the Russian newspaper Trud, and one of the most trusted sporting voices in Russia. "The judging was clear. There can be no argument.
"Judges are at the Olympics to judge, skaters are here to skate. We can't let skaters judge. It is up to the judges to judge. We must accept their decision."
Dolgopolov said that almost no reference to the controversy that is sweeping North America has been made in newspapers or on broadcast media in Russia.
"The decision was clear. A winner was chosen. That should be the end of the story."
SUNDIN SCHEDULED: Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is expected to arrive in Salt Lake this afternoon, and is expected to check in at the athletes village before heading to a Swedish hockey practice at 10:30 p.m. EST. Team Sweden opens the hockey tournament against Team Canada on Friday.
IT'S A GIRL: There was no medal for Switzerland's Reto Gilly after the men's singles luge competition at the Utah Olympic Park, but there was celebration. After finishing 24th, Gilly began whooping upon learning that he had become the father of a baby girl back home in Switzerland.
SHE'S OUT: Gold medal favorite Jacqui Cooper announced yesterday that she will not be competing in the aerials event. Cooper injured her left knee during training on Monday.
THE PREZ SPEAKS: The president of the International Skating Union, Ottavio Cinquanta, is holding a rare news conference today, to deal with -- guess what? -- the controversy surrounding the judging in the pairs competition. It isn't common for Cinquanta to speak about decisions that are not favourable for his sport.
FANCY VISITOR: Princess Anne made a brief visit to the Olympic village yesterday. The former Olympian toured the village, stopping to enjoy the local dance group, Flock of Gulls, then met with volunteers. She made a brief stop to meet with athletes from Great Britain.
2002 Games Figure Skating Coverage
