The Associated Press
Apolo Ohno looks back at an official after crossing the finish line behind Kim Dong-Sung on Wednesday night.

South Koreans upset over ruling

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Friday, February 22, 2002

SALT LAKE CITY -- The International Skating Union rejected a protest by the South Korean Olympic team, which threatened to skip the closing ceremony over Seattle native Apolo Ohno's speedskating gold medal.

The South Koreans protested the disqualification of World Cup champion Kim Dong-sung, but the ISU turned them down Thursday. Spokesman Pierre Eymann said there is no provision in the short-track rule book for overturning a judgment call by the referee.

"It cannot be reviewed," Eymann said.

The South Koreans also appealed to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, hired a Salt Lake City law firm and said they might boycott the closing night of the Salt Lake City Games.

The South Koreans believe Kim should be awarded a short-track gold medal for crossing the finish line first in the 1,500 meters Wednesday night. An Australian referee ruled that Kim improperly blocked Ohno with a half-lap to go, disqualifying Kim and giving the gold medal to the 19-year-old American.

Ohno said he can't understand why the South Koreans are upset.

"You get off the ice and respect the referee's decision," he said. "It's happened to me so many times."

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