Source: CCTV.com

02-24-2009 10:10

Special Report:   Harbin 24th Winter Universiade

There was an unusual incident on the short track venue in the Universiade in Harbin on Sunday. All nine competitors at Group A of the women's three thousand meter speed skating event were disqualified. It was the first time referees had ever made such a judgment in the history of the event. Wang Xiqing explains why.

Ready ... Go ! But it's all too slow. The referee called a re-start, and ordered the competitors to skate faster. But the same thing happened again, as the athletes chose to save their strength until the last lap. And then came the shock. Red cards to everyone on the track.

And so, China and South Korea's hopes for gold were dashed. One of the chief referees said the decision was taken according to the rules, and the athletes should learn the lesson.

Wang Shi'an, Deputy Chief Referee, said, "The athletes should understand in the future that after having been warned and given a yellow card, they must race faster. Otherwise a heavier penalty will come. This is a lesson for every team. "

However, the referees also admit that there're no specific guidelines as to what is an acceptable speed for a long distance match. Different people may have their own individual criteria. And the athletes say they're very disappointed to have lost a chance for a medal, and see the judgment a little unfair.

Zhou Yang, short track skater, said, "I think we were racing at our normal speed. After all, if we move faster while the South Korean opponents are not picking up their paces, we will waste our strength and lose eventually. "

The athletes might think they were using the best strategy to win the race, but playing it so safe can make the event lose its appeal.

Lan Li, Director fo Winter Games Managment Office, said, "The authorities should think about how to promote this long distance event. There are many rules to punish athletes, and not enough to encourage them. Traditionally, spectators don't like long-distance events, which take a long time to watch, and often without much action and excitement. "

Sporting authorities do acknowledge these controversies. The three thousand meters on the short track has never been a Winter Olympic event. After Sunday's surprise decision, maybe some rules should be changed to make the event more exciting for viewers, and fair for participants.

 

Editor:Zheng Limin