Lithuanian ice dancers file protest

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Wednesday, February 20, 2002

SALT LAKE CITY -- Ice dancers Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas insist they are not in it for a medal.

But the two Lithuanians filed a protest Tuesday that questions their fifth-place finish in the free dance program Monday.

They said they don't expect to win their appeal but wanted to come forward to generate publicity and expose judging inconsistencies that have long cast a cloud over the sport.

"When the coaches are laughing at the results, that is the biggest problem," Vanagas said, recalling Monday night's competition. "Coaches are the most professional judges of ice dancing. When they laugh, that shows the judging is lacking."

It was a day of protests at the Winter Games.

Germany protested the results of the men's and women's cross-country skiing sprints, but a panel of judges denied that racers ahead of the Germans improperly changed lanes.

Also, the Russian Olympic Committee sent a letter to the head of the International Ski Federation, complaining of biased judging in the women's freestyle aerials. The FIS said the organization stood by the judging.

The Lithuanians were unhappy immediately after the free dance won by Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat of France.

Italians Barbara Fusar Poli and Maurizio Margaglio won the bronze and Canadians Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz were fourth, despite falls by both couples.

"We skated better than them," Drobiazko said. "Funny sport."

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