Action “neither intended nor avoidable”
“The Appeals Committee found that the close proximity of the racers at the moment resulted in an action that was neither intended nor avoidable“, reasoned the FIS.
The commission had previously met four times, looked at the videos and written documentation for several hours and came to the conclusion: “The contact was the result of a series of actions taking place in unison.“
“Of course I’m relieved about this decision” Smith is quoted as saying in a statement from Swiss Ski, “because I was always convinced that I had made no mistake. At the same time, it hurts me for Daniela Maier, who is now suffering from the situation.“
Maier doubted himself, but the DSV still wants to fight
In fact, after crossing the finish line, Maier did not consider the situation in question to be punishable for her competitor. “No no no no no‘ she exclaimed during the minute-long review of the scene by the race jury, repeatedly shaking her head: ‘That was normal ski cross.“
The German Ski Association (DSV) was caught off guard by the decision on the sidelines of the Alpine World Cup races in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but does not want to let the FIS decision stand. “We will examine all legal steps in coordination with the DOSB“said DSV spokesman Ralph Eder.
When asked, the International Olympic Committee announced that the situation would be evaluated once all appeals had been resolved.
Source: sho/sid