Oberhofen am Thunersee (dpa) – The bad news reached ski crosser Daniela Maier on the return trip from Russia. The athlete from SC Urach is threatened with the subsequent loss of her Olympic bronze medal.
After an objection by fourth-placed Fanny Smith and the Swiss Ski Association, the Appeal Committee of the World Federation Fis has decided to overturn the jury’s decision in the final of the women’s race at the Winter Games in China. Smith is now rated third, Maier fourth. This is not automatically equivalent to losing the medal. But Maier has to tremble again – and wants to take action against the decision.
“To be honest, I’m surprised by the new situation and I’m excited to see what will happen after the objection has been granted,” said the 25-year-old after her return to Germany. Actually, she would have been in action at the World Cup in Sunny Valley in the Urals at the weekend. As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Maier and her teammates were brought back by the German Ski Association (DSV) – and informed about the Fis decision on the way. “Dani took it with composure,” said the sporting director of the German ski crossers, Heli Herdt, of the dpa. “We will definitely not leave it like that. We owe her that,” he assured.
“Check all legal means”
Together with the DSV and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), she now wants to “check all legal means,” said Maier herself. DSV President Franz Steinle announced a walk “to the Fis-Court or, if necessary, to the international sports court Cas”. A first assessment of where the legal dispute will be continued could be this Monday. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would assess the situation once all appeals were resolved.
A possible scenario – and probably quite charming from the IOC’s point of view – would be that another bronze medal would be awarded. Even if the case is different than, for example, that of the high jumper Essa Mutaz Barshim from Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy at the past summer games in Tokyo. At that time both got gold, but also had the same result. “Dani deserves this medal. She has it in her luggage. If so, the IOC would have to take it away from her,” said Herdt.
Emotional roller coaster ride
The emotional roller coaster ride, which Maier had already experienced at the games, continues. Switzerland’s Smith initially finished third in the ski cross finals in Zhangjiakou on February 17, one place ahead of Maier. This was denied to Smith after a minute-long video study. In the opinion of the jury, the 29-year-old had hindered her rival on the home straight by stepping to the left. Maier, overwhelmed by her feelings, didn’t want the medal at first, but then took it anyway.
According to Fis, the appeals committee has met four times since then and, after hours of analysis, came to the conclusion that the contact between the athletes was neither intended nor avoidable. Accordingly, only a warning should have been issued against Smith, but this does not result in a sanction.
“Obviously I’m relieved about this decision,” said Smith. “Because I was always convinced that I hadn’t made a mistake. At the same time, it hurts me for Daniela Maier, who is now suffering from the situation.” And have to worry about bronze again.