Olympic Ideal Will Skate Past Scandal

Will the 2002 Winter Olympic Games be best remembered for feats of athleticism or what’s become known as “Skategate?” A French judge said she had been pressured into awarding the Russian pairs figure skating team the gold medal over the team from Canada. In a post-competition resolution of the controversy, the Canadian pair received duplicate gold medals.

MARY REESE BOYKIN spoke with a former Olympian about the scandal.

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WYOMIA TYUS

Former U.S. sprinter, relay team member; winner of three gold medals in the 1964 and 1968 Olympics

Over the years, the judges have done a great job. But I don’t think it is the first time a judge has rendered the wrong decision. Maybe it’s the first time that an official was caught. The panel of nine judges was wise in righting a wrong.

Will Olympic committees go back and correct other wrongs? In 1988, many felt that boxer Roy Jones Jr. earned the gold rather than the silver.

In figure skating, judging can be subjective, since so much depends on where the judges’ values are.

I remember watching a black French skater who brought something different to the sport.

Comments made about her were that she was ungraceful, too athletic.

How level was the playing field for her?

While this incident does not tarnish the Olympics--one bad decision can’t bring down the Olympics--it will make judges more accountable.

They will pay closer attention to the particulars of athletes’ performances.

They must demonstrate integrity, regardless of national pride.

The judges will also realize that, whether their decisions are popular or unpopular, they must stand up for what they believe.

They must feel comfortable with their decision.

In this day, winning a gold medal can be a paycheck for life. The athlete who has strived hard and won should not be denied the honor.