Japan lodges an official protest with Olympic organizers after a figure skating medal podium at the Milan-Cortina Games chipped athletes’ skate blades during the team event ceremony.
The Podium Incident
Figure skaters require finely tuned blades for precise movements, and podiums typically include rubber coverings to prevent edge damage. At Sunday’s medal ceremony, the podium featured a rough, asphalt-like surface made of cut stone, which caused chips on blades as athletes stepped onto it.
The United States secured gold in the team competition, Japan earned silver, and Italy took bronze.
Official Response and Repairs
Yose Takeuchi, Japan team official, confirms the protest was filed with the Olympic organizing committee on Monday. Repairs to the damaged blades occurred that morning at a specialist workshop, affecting skaters from all three medal-winning teams.
“We will continue to take necessary action regarding this matter,” Takeuchi states.
Ongoing Competition
Figure skating resumes Tuesday with the men’s short program.
