Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site proper.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!seismo!hao!hplabs!intelca!proper!kip 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