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[ 11-01-2005 ]
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[http://www.canoe.ca/Columnists/worthington.html
The Olympics learn the golden rule
By PETER WORTHINGTON - Toronto Sun
February 18, 2002
Now that Jamie Sale and David Pelletier have their Olympic gold medal, a few thoughts on this extraordinary scandal that dominated world headlines all this week.
Looking back, the only thing missing from the controversy was Rev. Jesse Jackson offering to mediate.
The speed and decisiveness of IOC President Jacques Rogge to award a double gold medal (co-gold medal?) surprised many, but it was not only the right thing to do, it was the only thing to do.
If the frightful Juan Antonio Samaranch had still been IOC dictator, Jamie and David wouldn't have gotten their gold until next year, if at all.
And had Canada's Dick Pound been chosen president instead of Belgium's Rogge, he'd have been reluctant to do anything for fear of being accused of favouritism, or being motivated by "sour grapes."
When you analyze it, outraged public reaction, media persistence and world-wide disgust at the dishonesty and corruption of skating judges is what got Jamie and David their gold. That, and the common sense of Mr. Rogge who told Ottavio Cinquanta, the Inspector Clouseau of the International Skating Union, to smarten up and quit vacillating.
Public outrage in Canada was irrelevant. Such judging injustices have happened before to Canadians, and could safely have been ignored this time. But the uproar by Americans and other skaters and athletes who saw the judging atrocity on prime time couldn't be ignored.
The French skating judge fled town, and has been condemned and suspended for "mental fragility" by succumbing to pressure to swap votes with the Russians for the French ice dancing pair.
That's all very well, but what about the other judges who considered the Russian pair, who made two to four technical errors in their program, to be better than the Canadian pair's flawless skate?
It's not a case of different people seeing different things. It indicates minds were made up, and to hell with reality.
These judges from Russia, Ukraine, Poland and China are unlikely to change.
LIFETIME BAN
What about the officials who pressured suspended French judge, Marie-Reine le Gougne, to betray her trust? Her judging career is toast, but surely those who persuaded her into corruption also deserve condemnation - like a lifetime ban from the sport.
Judges who cheat are worse than athletes who take performance-enhancing drugs. Yet figure skating judges who are caught in corruption are briefly suspended and then turned loose to judge again. That's the real outrage. Ask Ben Johnson.
This is what David Pelletier was referring to when he said he was pleased to get the gold, but hoped the "truth" would come out and the "system" cleansed of institutionalized corruption. It took almost 18 months before Sylvie Frechette got her gold for synchronized swimming at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, when a judge added up his scorecard wrong.
This time, the media - the world - fell in love with Jamie and David, who've done more to enhance Canadian unity and pride than decades of politicians and nationalists.
'CHEATED'
Their poise, perspective and grace are wonderful advertisements for Canada - a witty, funny, idealistic Quebecer and an entrancing Westerner whose values and priorities are in sync.
The pair should get the Order of Canada next - not for their Olympic gold, but for the image they personify for Canada.
Jamie Sale admitted she felt "cheated" by not standing on the centre platform last Monday for O Canada and the raising of the Canadian flag. Last night's gold-medal ceremony atoned in part for the larceny committed at the Ice Centre, now dubbed "Scene of the Crime."
More rewards will come later. A bright, prosperous future awaits America's favourite Canadians if - when - they turn pro.
On the other hand, the Russian pair, Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze, through no fault of their own, may have limited box office appeal, thanks to corrupt judging: Curiosities more than an attraction.
Letters to the editor should be sent to editor@sunpub.com
 World Fact Book (CIA)]
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