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From: kip@proper.UUCP (Kip Quackenbush)
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: USA Nordic Combined RIPOFF!
Message-ID: <1014@proper.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 13-Feb-84 17:02:50 EST
Article-I.D.: proper.1014
Posted: Mon Feb 13 17:02:50 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 16-Feb-84 05:51:50 EST
Organization: Proper UNIX, San Leandro, CA
Lines: 39


Did anyone out there feel as disgruntled as I did
to learn of the USA's chances for a medal in the
Nordic Combined event taken away by the infamous
'Jury' of the ski jump? Backround:

Two Americans entered the Olympics in the Nordic Combined
event. For the first time ever, we had a solid chance of
not only winning a medal, but taking the gold. Saturday was
the day for the jumping, and half of the 70 meter competition
was over when the Jury decided that the conditions were too
dangerous, as the two Americans sat one-two in the standings.
Both had flown well over the rest of the field. 

As the jumping portion was postponed, it was decided that all
competitors would jump again, thereby wiping out all previous 
jumps. The Americans fell to 16th and 24th places. Funny thing
is, the jury consisted of delegates from East and West Germany,
Norway, Sweden, and the USSR. After the second running of the
jumping, Norway, Sweden, USSR, and the Germans were in the top five.

Going into the Cross Country Skiing portion, jumpers took their
scores as 'penalty time' against the cross-country skiing times.
Thus, in 16th and 24th place, the Americans' chances for a medal
were wiped out.

Now, I'm not one who is interested in watching the competition
for 'mdeal glory'. But, to listen to the two Americans speak
just before the cross country race got my blood flowing. These
guys have worked long and hard (as all athletes do) and now
their 'personal' chances were blown. In addition, both skiers
are going to hang it up after these games. It is just a shame
to see this kind of thing happen, especially to the home favorites.

I kind of feel better- but not much

				White Hot Keyboards,
				Kip
				{...}inhp4!dual!proper!kip