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Swedes take triathlon ruling to court

August 10th, 2012 Leave a comment Go to comments


Laura Norden and Nicola Spirig both finished the race with the same time but the Swiss triathlete was awarded the gold.

(CNN) — It was a “million in one chance” that the Olympic women’s triathlon race would end in a photo finish, but the outcome is again in doubt following Sweden’s decision to appeal the result in sport’s last-resort court.

The Swedish Olympic Committee (NOC) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport following its failure to have Lisa Norden awarded the gold medal following last Saturday’s event.

Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig was adjudged to have crossed the line first after both women finished in one minute 59.43 seconds and was awarded victory despite protests from the Swedes.

Both the NOC and the Swedish Triathlon Federation failed to have the decision overturned after filing an official complaint to the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

Norden’s fate now rests in the hands of the CAS, which will make a decision on Saturday in London. The ITU told CNN it could not comment on the case until after the verdict.

Egypt competes in the women's team synchronized swimming free routine final on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympics on Friday, August 10. Check out Day 13 of competition from Thursday, August 9. The Games run through Sunday, August 12. See all the action as it unfolds here.Egypt competes in the women’s team synchronized swimming free routine final on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympics on Friday, August 10. Check out Day 13 of competition from Thursday, August 9. The Games run through Sunday, August 12. See all the action as it unfolds here.

Great Britain's Alex Danson, left, jumps out of the way of New Zealand's Emily Naylor during the women's field hockey bronze medal match.Great Britain’s Alex Danson, left, jumps out of the way of New Zealand’s Emily Naylor during the women’s field hockey bronze medal match.

Azerbaijan's Teymur Mammadov stands over Italy's Clemente Russo during the men's heavyweight (91-kilogram) boxing bout.Azerbaijan’s Teymur Mammadov stands over Italy’s Clemente Russo during the men’s heavyweight (91-kilogram) boxing bout.

From left, Latvia's Maris Strombergs, France's Joris Daudet, Colombia's Carlos Mario Oquendo Zabala, Australia's Sam Willoughby and Switzerland's Roger Rinderknecht take a jump during the BMX cycling men's semifinal.From left, Latvia’s Maris Strombergs, France’s Joris Daudet, Colombia’s Carlos Mario Oquendo Zabala, Australia’s Sam Willoughby and Switzerland’s Roger Rinderknecht take a jump during the BMX cycling men’s semifinal.

Great Britain's Lutalo Muhammad appears dejected after losing to Nicolas Garcia Hemme of Spain during the men's under 80-kilogram taekwondo quarterfinal.Great Britain’s Lutalo Muhammad appears dejected after losing to Nicolas Garcia Hemme of Spain during the men’s under 80-kilogram taekwondo quarterfinal.

Britain's Georgie Twigg is jubilant after her team's second goal in the women's field hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand. Britain won 3-1.Britain’s Georgie Twigg is jubilant after her team’s second goal in the women’s field hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand. Britain won 3-1.

Russian gymnast Daria Dmitrieva performs in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around competition.Russian gymnast Daria Dmitrieva performs in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around competition.

Cyclists crash during the BMX cycling men's semifinals.Cyclists crash during the BMX cycling men’s semifinals.

Britain's Laura Unsworth controls the ball during the women's field hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand.Britain’s Laura Unsworth controls the ball during the women’s field hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand.

Kazakhstan's Abdulkhakim Shapiyev, right, fights Bilel Ouechtati of Tunisia during the men's freestyle wrestling (74-kilogram) 1/8 final bout.Kazakhstan’s Abdulkhakim Shapiyev, right, fights Bilel Ouechtati of Tunisia during the men’s freestyle wrestling (74-kilogram) 1/8 final bout.

Spain's rhythmic gymnastics team performs in the group all-around qualifications.Spain’s rhythmic gymnastics team performs in the group all-around qualifications.

Canada's Karine Sergerie spars with Slovenia's Franka Anic during the women's under 67-kilogram taekwondo quarterfinal.Canada’s Karine Sergerie spars with Slovenia’s Franka Anic during the women’s under 67-kilogram taekwondo quarterfinal.

Alex Danson, right, and Crista Cullen of Great Britain react during their women's hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand.Alex Danson, right, and Crista Cullen of Great Britain react during their women’s hockey bronze medal match against New Zealand.

Chinese gymnast Senyue Deng performs during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around competition.Chinese gymnast Senyue Deng performs during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around competition.

Spain competes in the women's team synchronized swimming free routine final.Spain competes in the women’s team synchronized swimming free routine final.

Cyclists make a jump during the women's BMX cycling semifinals.Cyclists make a jump during the women’s BMX cycling semifinals.

Kazakhstan's Daulet Niyazbekov, in red, wrestles Russia's Dzhamal Otarsultanov during the men's 55-kilogram freestyle semifinal match.Kazakhstan’s Daulet Niyazbekov, in red, wrestles Russia’s Dzhamal Otarsultanov during the men’s 55-kilogram freestyle semifinal match.

Australia's Malcolm Page leaps off the boat as teammate Mathew Belcher sails on after winning the gold in the men's 470 sailing class.Australia’s Malcolm Page leaps off the boat as teammate Mathew Belcher sails on after winning the gold in the men’s 470 sailing class.

Jo Aleh, left, in the black cap, and Olivia Powrie, in the white cap, of New Zealand celebrate winning the gold medal in the women's 470 sailing class.Jo Aleh, left, in the black cap, and Olivia Powrie, in the white cap, of New Zealand celebrate winning the gold medal in the women’s 470 sailing class.

Italy's Vincenzo Mangiacapre, left, faces off against Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo of Cuba in the men's light welterweight (64-kilogram) boxing semifinals.Italy’s Vincenzo Mangiacapre, left, faces off against Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo of Cuba in the men’s light welterweight (64-kilogram) boxing semifinals.

Australia competes in the women's team synchronized swimming free routine final.Australia competes in the women’s team synchronized swimming free routine final.

China's Qingling Song, left, celebrates a disallowed goal in the women's field hockey classification match against Australia.China’s Qingling Song, left, celebrates a disallowed goal in the women’s field hockey classification match against Australia.

Bulgaria's Silviya Miteva performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.Bulgaria’s Silviya Miteva performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.

A view of the wrestling events at ExCeL in London.A view of the wrestling events at ExCeL in London.

Great Britain's Luke Campbell, left, defends against Satoshi Shimizu of Japan during the men's bantamweight (56-kilogram) boxing semifinals.Great Britain’s Luke Campbell, left, defends against Satoshi Shimizu of Japan during the men’s bantamweight (56-kilogram) boxing semifinals.

Presenters in action during the medal ceremony following the men's marathon 10-kilometer swim.Presenters in action during the medal ceremony following the men’s marathon 10-kilometer swim.

Germany's Jana Berezko-Marggrander performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.Germany’s Jana Berezko-Marggrander performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.

Italy's Vincenzo Mangiacapre leaves the ring after his loss to Cuba's Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo in the men's light welterweight (64-kilogram) boxing semifinals.Italy’s Vincenzo Mangiacapre leaves the ring after his loss to Cuba’s Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo in the men’s light welterweight (64-kilogram) boxing semifinals.

Brazi's Squel Stein is carried off in a stretcher after crashing in the women's BMX cycling semifinals.Brazi’s Squel Stein is carried off in a stretcher after crashing in the women’s BMX cycling semifinals.

Morocco's Issam Chernoubi, left, battles Afghanistan's Nesar Ahmad Bahawi in the men's under 80-kilogram taekwondo bout.Morocco’s Issam Chernoubi, left, battles Afghanistan’s Nesar Ahmad Bahawi in the men’s under 80-kilogram taekwondo bout.

Spain's Francisco Hervas Jodar competes during the men's marathon 10-kilometer swim.Spain’s Francisco Hervas Jodar competes during the men’s marathon 10-kilometer swim.

South Korea's Jincheol Kim, right, and Kenichi Yumoto of Japan compete in the men's freestyle 55-kilogram wrestling.South Korea’s Jincheol Kim, right, and Kenichi Yumoto of Japan compete in the men’s freestyle 55-kilogram wrestling.

Swimmers compete in the men's marathon 10-kilometer swim at Hyde Park in London.Swimmers compete in the men’s marathon 10-kilometer swim at Hyde Park in London.

Australia's Jodie Schulz, left, shoots a penalty shot against Chinese goalkeeper Yimeng Zhang during the women's field hockey classification match.Australia’s Jodie Schulz, left, shoots a penalty shot against Chinese goalkeeper Yimeng Zhang during the women’s field hockey classification match.

Japan's Yasunari Hirai warms up before starting the men's marathon 10-kilometer swim.Japan’s Yasunari Hirai warms up before starting the men’s marathon 10-kilometer swim.

Argentina's Miguel Antonio Correa reacts during the men's kayak double 200-meter canoe sprint semifinals.Argentina’s Miguel Antonio Correa reacts during the men’s kayak double 200-meter canoe sprint semifinals.

Drinks are ready for swimmers in the men's 10-kilometer marathon.Drinks are ready for swimmers in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon.

Australia's Janine Murray performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.Australia’s Janine Murray performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.

Azerbaijan's Ashraf Aliyev, left, grapples with Sohsuke Takatani of Japan in the men's freestyle 74-kilogram wrestling. Azerbaijan’s Ashraf Aliyev, left, grapples with Sohsuke Takatani of Japan in the men’s freestyle 74-kilogram wrestling.

Ireland's Paddy Barnes delivers a punch against Shiming Zou of China during the men's light flyweight (49-kilogram) boxing semifinal bout.Ireland’s Paddy Barnes delivers a punch against Shiming Zou of China during the men’s light flyweight (49-kilogram) boxing semifinal bout.

Britain's Francesca Jones performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.Britain’s Francesca Jones performs her ribbon program during the individual all-around qualifications of the rhythmic gymnastics event.

Afghanistan's Nesar Ahmad Bahawi, left, directs a kick against Morocco's Issam Chernoubi during the men's under 80-kilogram taekwondo bout.Afghanistan’s Nesar Ahmad Bahawi, left, directs a kick against Morocco’s Issam Chernoubi during the men’s under 80-kilogram taekwondo bout.

Australian women's field hockey players pose for fans after their 2-0 win over China.Australian women’s field hockey players pose for fans after their 2-0 win over China.

Thailand's Kaeo Pongprayoon has a quiet moment before entering the ring in the men's light flyweight (48-kilogram) boxing semifinals.Thailand’s Kaeo Pongprayoon has a quiet moment before entering the ring in the men’s light flyweight (48-kilogram) boxing semifinals.

Iran's Sousan Hajipourgoli, left, battles Australia's Carmen Marton in women's taekwondo in the under 67-kilogram division.Iran’s Sousan Hajipourgoli, left, battles Australia’s Carmen Marton in women’s taekwondo in the under 67-kilogram division.

Competitors race in the women's kayak single 200-meter sprint heats at Eton Dorney in Windsor, England.Competitors race in the women’s kayak single 200-meter sprint heats at Eton Dorney in Windsor, England.

Great Britain's Lutalo Muhammad prepares to compete in the men's under 80-kilogram taekwondo preliminary round.Great Britain’s Lutalo Muhammad prepares to compete in the men’s under 80-kilogram taekwondo preliminary round.

Germany's Sebastian Brendel, right, and Qiang Li of China compete in the men's canoe single 200-meter sprint semifinals.Germany’s Sebastian Brendel, right, and Qiang Li of China compete in the men’s canoe single 200-meter sprint semifinals.

Belgium's Gaelle Valcke celebrates after scoring the match-winning goal against the United States during the women's field hockey classification match. Belgium won 2-1.Belgium’s Gaelle Valcke celebrates after scoring the match-winning goal against the United States during the women’s field hockey classification match. Belgium won 2-1.

American Steven Lopez, left, competes against Ramin Azizov of Azerbaijan during the men's under 80-kilogram taekwondo preliminary round.American Steven Lopez, left, competes against Ramin Azizov of Azerbaijan during the men’s under 80-kilogram taekwondo preliminary round.

American Steven Lopez walks off after losing to Ramin Azizov of Azerbaijan in the taekwondo bout.American Steven Lopez walks off after losing to Ramin Azizov of Azerbaijan in the taekwondo bout.

China's Zhang Yimeng, center, saves a shot from Australian Teneal Attard, left, as Attard's teammate Jayde Taylor stands by during the women's field hockey classification match.China’s Zhang Yimeng, center, saves a shot from Australian Teneal Attard, left, as Attard’s teammate Jayde Taylor stands by during the women’s field hockey classification match.

Germany's Ronald Rauhe competes in the kayak single 200-meter men's heats.Germany’s Ronald Rauhe competes in the kayak single 200-meter men’s heats.

U.S. goalkeeper Amy Swensen walks off the pitch after being substituted for an offensive player in the last minutes of the women's field hockey classification match between the United States and Belgium.U.S. goalkeeper Amy Swensen walks off the pitch after being substituted for an offensive player in the last minutes of the women’s field hockey classification match between the United States and Belgium.


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Day 14: The best photos of the OlympicsDay 14: The best photos of the Olympics


Hyde Park’s London Games transformation


A triathlon master class

South Korea's Shin A-Lam gets emotional while awaiting the outcome of an appeal over a technical fault during her Women's Epee semifinal bout against Germany's Britta Heidemann.South Korea’s Shin A-Lam gets emotional while awaiting the outcome of an appeal over a technical fault during her Women’s Epee semifinal bout against Germany’s Britta Heidemann.

Gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy of Great Britain, right, tears up alongside silver medalist Maximilian Levy during the medal ceremony for the men's keirin track cycling final.Gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy of Great Britain, right, tears up alongside silver medalist Maximilian Levy during the medal ceremony for the men’s keirin track cycling final.

It's unclear whether Russia's Evgeniia Kolodko sheds tears of joy or sorrow after winning bronze in the women's shot put final.It’s unclear whether Russia’s Evgeniia Kolodko sheds tears of joy or sorrow after winning bronze in the women’s shot put final.

Jamaica's Brigitte Foster-Hylton cries after sustaining an injury running the women's 100-meter hurdles.Jamaica’s Brigitte Foster-Hylton cries after sustaining an injury running the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

Japanese table tennis players Kasumi Ishikawa, left, and Sayaka Hirano weep after beating Singapore in the women's team semifinal match.Japanese table tennis players Kasumi Ishikawa, left, and Sayaka Hirano weep after beating Singapore in the women’s team semifinal match.

Annemiek de Haan of the Netherlands cries after her crew finished third in the women's eight rowing competition.Annemiek de Haan of the Netherlands cries after her crew finished third in the women’s eight rowing competition.

Brazil's bronze medalist Felipe Kitadai cries on the podium after the men's lightweight judo match.Brazil’s bronze medalist Felipe Kitadai cries on the podium after the men’s lightweight judo match.

China's Sun Yang couldn't wait to get out of the pool to celebrate his gold medal win in the men's 1,500-meter freestyle.China’s Sun Yang couldn’t wait to get out of the pool to celebrate his gold medal win in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle.

American gymnast Gabby Douglas, left, comforts Russia's Victoria Komova during the women's individual all-around competition. Douglas won the gold while Komova took silver.American gymnast Gabby Douglas, left, comforts Russia’s Victoria Komova during the women’s individual all-around competition. Douglas won the gold while Komova took silver.

Katherine Copeland and Sophie Hosking of Great Britain cry before receiving their gold medals for the lightweight women's double sculls.Katherine Copeland and Sophie Hosking of Great Britain cry before receiving their gold medals for the lightweight women’s double sculls.


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Tears of the OlympiansTears of the Olympians

Brownlee brothers take triathlon by storm

It was time an Olympic triathlon has been settled in such a manner, and Bridie McDonnell — a former triathlete and reserve member of the Australian 2004 Olympic squad — was astonished by the close finish.

“It was a million to one chance,” she told CNN.

“Perhaps it’s a bit remiss of coaches not to work on the finishing styles of their athletes as one of the girls dipped her head and the other went with her chest.

“I just think that nobody ever expected such a close finish because you would expect after two hours of competition that there would be a bigger gap. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my time of watching triathlon.”

McDonnell said that Saturday’s decision will have a huge impact on the winner.

“It’s a shame that it has gone to CAS because the race has gone and the medal ceremony cannot be brought back, but you cannot underestimate how much that gold medal means because it can change somebody’s life,” she said.

“To normal people watching they just think about the race and some people will say that they should get on with it.

“But that gold could mean €100,000 ($123,000) to somebody and that’s why the Swedish team are possibly appealing. I’m sure the Swiss would have done the same if it had been the other way around.”

Now based in Los Angeles, McDonnell has taken time out of her medical career to compete on the Pro-cycling circuit.

A qualified doctor and a seven-time national rowing champion, she has competed in several triathlons and Ironman competitions.

“I love triathlon and I thought that the Olympic race was gripping,” McDonnell said.

“I was watching it with a lot of people who weren’t fans of triathlon and now they absolutely love it.

“I hope that the attention the sport is receiving will now help get people into it because it was really a wonderful spectacle.”






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Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/10/sport/olympics-london-norden-triathlon-cas/index.html?eref=edition

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