Olympics apologizes after rough podium surface damages skaters' blades
The organizers said that they were “taking steps to replace the surface to prevent a reoccurrence," and that blade-sharpening services would be made available along with an additional training sessions.
is apologizing for the surface of the podium used at the Milano Ice Skating Arena that caused minor damage to the blades of figure skatersof the gold medal-winning U.S. team, reported nicks and blemishes from the anti-slip surface. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, whose team took silver, was among those who noticed it right away, skating away from the podium to check on her blades while simultaneously celebrating her medal.."But then as soon as we we stepped down everyone was like, 'I cannot move anymore, I cannot slide anymore.' It was like the same feeling as having some glue under the blade. And so today we had to sharpen the blade. So it was a little bit stressful."The organizers said that they were “taking steps to replace the surface to prevent a reoccurrence," and that blade-sharpening services would be made available along with an additional training session for the U.S., Japanese and bronze medalist Italian teams. “We also understand that some have offered their services to the impacted athletes from other countries in a true example of the Olympic spirit,” the committee said, adding that it “apologises for the inconvenience caused and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the best possible conditions for all athletes.” Skaters typically use freshly sharpened blades as a last resort, because it can take time for them to get worked back in. Instead, they turn to what are called honing stones that they run along the blades to remove any nicks and burrs. 2022 figure skating Olympian Mariah Bell explains how figure skaters choose their music and what happens if they need to change it at the last minute. Some wondered whether the blades may have caused a problem for Chock and Bates in the rhythm dance on Monday night, when the favored Americans were beaten by the French couple of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron by a slim margin. “I think the skates are fine. The blades are good,” Bates said afterward. “We skated great. We felt like it was really strong.”was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, following the mixed team relay in short-track speedskating. The next figure skating medal ceremony is on Wednesday night, when Chock and Bates hope to make up their deficit to Beaudry and Cizeron in the free dance and climb onto the top step of a resurfaced podium.
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