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MILAN (AP) — The Milan Cortina Olympic Games’ organizing committee has issued an apology regarding the podium at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, which inadvertently caused minor damage to the figure skaters’ blades during last weekend’s team medal celebrations.
Among those affected were Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the gold-winning U.S. team, who, along with other athletes, noticed scratches and marks caused by the podium’s anti-slip surface. Kaori Sakamoto from Japan, whose team secured the silver medal, immediately detected the issue, gliding away to inspect her blades while still in the midst of celebrating.
In response, Japan formally complained about the podium’s abrasive texture.
The organizers announced they are “taking steps to replace the surface to prevent a reoccurrence.” They also plan to offer blade-sharpening services and additional training sessions for the athletes from the U.S., Japan, and bronze medal-winning Italy.
The committee acknowledged that several National Olympic Committees have extended their support to affected athletes from other nations, exemplifying the Olympic spirit. They expressed regret for the inconvenience and affirmed their dedication to providing optimal conditions for all competitors.
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.
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.”
The next medal ceremony at the Milano Ice Skating Arena 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.