Germans in Olympics Cheating Row
- 14 years ago
Tensions are high between the German and Canadian Olympic skeleton racing teams. The Canadians are accusing the Germans of using special sleds that give them an unfair advantage. Here's more.
As the temperature falls in Vancouver providing the perfect conditions for the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics - things are heating up among the teams.
A row has been brewing between the Canadian and German skeleton athletes.
The home side has accused the Germans of using sleds with built-in magnets - giving them an advantage.
Candian team member Jeff Pain says he believes the sleds the Germans will use in next week's competitions are illegal.
[...]
Pain says the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation has rules which outlaw the use of magnetic material.
The German delegation has played down the accusations.
Team spokeswoman Margit Degler-Paar says the problem is envy - as the
Germans have been notoriously fast in the past few years.
[Margit Dengler-Paar, Spokesman, German Skeleton Team]:
"Everything is alright with the German sleds, because the Germans skeleton sleds are the mostly controlled sleds of all nations. We had a lot of controls this winter, and with the people at the FIBT looked at every detail, so our sleds are okay, and it should be just waiting for the races."
Meanwhile the Olympic Torch made it to within miles of the final destination - winding its way around North Vancouver - at one point even over a suspension bridge.
For Canadians it is a time to be proud.
[John Reston, Lynn Valley Resident]:
"It’s a real thrill. You can just see the flags coming out. Canadians are really laid back and to see them coming out and waving flags. It’s wonderful."
The Olympic Cauldron will be lit at the opening ceremony in Vancouver on Friday evening.
As the temperature falls in Vancouver providing the perfect conditions for the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics - things are heating up among the teams.
A row has been brewing between the Canadian and German skeleton athletes.
The home side has accused the Germans of using sleds with built-in magnets - giving them an advantage.
Candian team member Jeff Pain says he believes the sleds the Germans will use in next week's competitions are illegal.
[...]
Pain says the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation has rules which outlaw the use of magnetic material.
The German delegation has played down the accusations.
Team spokeswoman Margit Degler-Paar says the problem is envy - as the
Germans have been notoriously fast in the past few years.
[Margit Dengler-Paar, Spokesman, German Skeleton Team]:
"Everything is alright with the German sleds, because the Germans skeleton sleds are the mostly controlled sleds of all nations. We had a lot of controls this winter, and with the people at the FIBT looked at every detail, so our sleds are okay, and it should be just waiting for the races."
Meanwhile the Olympic Torch made it to within miles of the final destination - winding its way around North Vancouver - at one point even over a suspension bridge.
For Canadians it is a time to be proud.
[John Reston, Lynn Valley Resident]:
"It’s a real thrill. You can just see the flags coming out. Canadians are really laid back and to see them coming out and waving flags. It’s wonderful."
The Olympic Cauldron will be lit at the opening ceremony in Vancouver on Friday evening.