2004 Olympic Games - Eventing

Who's On First: Gold – Silver – Bronze – Who’s got What?

Strict About the Rules?!

The French announced at the Press Conference that they were going to take it a step further and not just let it go. But in response to this Bo Helander said that it is very clear in the rules that once the Appeal Committee makes a decision, that decision is final. So, unless there was some other rule that they could use to get around this, there would be no ability for them to oppose the ruling.

And so what should have been a great night – and still was a great night – had the hint of controversy that always makes the outcome a little unsettling.

Now, while we don’t think there is a chance for there to be any further decisions on this situation, the door hasn’t yet closed. One of the reporters asked the French team that in the spirit of the Olympics shouldn’t they just let it go. They responded by saying that this is nothing against Bettina but the rules are the rules. And the rule is that if you cross the starting line twice you get penalized 4 faults for a refusal and time faults. And they feel that rule should be adhered to.

The Appeals Committee agrees with them but feels that since the timers also were wrong that Bettina was put at a disadvantage because she couldn’t look at them and know her round had started. And so in order not to penalize the athlete, they decided to let the score stand as is.

Bittersweet ending but nice to see Kim Severson standing on that podium with the Bronze Medal around her neck.