The Associated Press
Kim Dong-Sung of Korea (left) and Apolo Ohno of Seattle battle for position Wednesday in the men's 1,000-meter short track speedskating preliminary race.

French judge pressured, but decision stands

BARRY WILNER, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SALT LAKE CITY -- The French figure skating judge was pressured to "act in a certain way" before she voted to give the gold to the Russians in pairs, the head of the French Olympic team said Wednesday night.

However, Didier Gailhaguet denied any wrongdoing on the part of the French skating federation.

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee told the International Skating Union to quickly settle the judging dispute that has consumed the Winter Games for two days.

Questions of improper judging have centered on Marie-Reine Le Gougne, one of five judges who favored the Russians despite the couple's obvious technical error. Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze edged Canada's Jamie Sale and David Pelletier 5-4 in the free skate Monday night.

Earlier on Wednesday, ISU President Ottavio Cinquanta said he had received "certain allegations" from U.S. referee Ronald Pfenning.

In responding to questions about reports a judge might have been pressured to vote for the Russians, Cinquanta said the judge denied it.

The IOC warned if the skating federation fails to resolve the problem quickly, the IOC might step in.

Cinquanta reiterated that the competition was over, meaning the Russians would keep their gold medal.

For related stories go to the Salt Lake 2002 section.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

back to main Home Page Stories index