Event Is Off, On, Then Off Again

The reigning world champion Norwegians, too sick to take part in the Nordic combined team event, thought the wind had blown them a lucky break.

Swirling gusts forced the judges to call off the jumping portion Wednesday after it started: Both rounds were scrapped, and new entrants would be accepted.

For a little while, at least, the Norwegians had cause to celebrate, thinking they had a chance to get over their illness -- and get back in.

But in a surprising move, judges changed course, decided on a restart in the second round ... and the Norwegians were out. Again.

Bad news for reigning world champion Norway, a medal contender that pulled out Tuesday with sick athletes. The only way they can get back in now is if weather intervenes again.

“They decided to run the competition,” Coach Frode Moen said early Wednesday, “and it doesn’t matter for us because three of the guys are still sick, so we couldn’t start anyway.”

The winds would eventually cut short Wednesday’s action again halfway through the jumping portion, and competitors were scheduled to start over this morning in the second round.

After the first ruling, the Norwegians were thrilled, with a smiling cross-country Coach Trond Kattem saying: “We’re very happy with the decision and we can still compete. After this news, they’re much better.”

But the good news didn’t last long.

Following a 47-minute delay, the competition began again, but only a few skiers jumped before the International Ski Federation made the call to end competition for the day.

“I think it’s a strange decision, but it sounds like the decision’s been made,” U.S. Nordic director Luke Bodensteiner said. “I don’t know that there is a usual way....

“The jury determined they have a chance to get one round in tomorrow and maybe not two, so they’re letting the first round stand.”