Seems The Cold-War Exist Still...

[RickM]

I watched the pairs skating finals a little while ago and the judges gave Russia the gold.They deserved it I thought.It was the world judges panel to call the shot anyway...

It was amazing to listen to the NBC broadcasters display such prejudice and jealousy over the former S.U. and current Russian winners...Time to give it up...

[WmGo]

... in response to Seems The Cold-War Exist Still..., posted by RickM on Feb 12, 2002

Hey Rick,

The NBC announcers are very poor, impolitic and undiplomatic. They say some of the dumbest things especially what's his face. He is a brain when it comes to sports, but he is a moron when it comes to announcing sports. Remember when Jordon won his first NBA title and he refers to his wife as Jordon's father!

It appeared that the Canadian pair had the best skate. The Russian pair normally have the best skate, but I got the distinct impression from the Russian pair that they even thought the Canadian pair bested them. They seemed almost embarrased to accept the gold medals. To me, this showed humility on their part as they obviously had to accept the judges decision just like everyone else. I was glad the crowd also gave them much applause as the skaters don't vote, the judges do.

It is interesting that the *French* judge cast the tying vote. So although the other 8 votes were East vs. West, the tie breaker came from a Western country.

One thing for sure though, and I am not just saying this because I am on this Board, the blonde Russian skater Berejnaya was clearly the best looking of all of the lady skaters. Her facial features are absolutely magnificent like a classical work of art.

Sidenote: the media refers to Ukraine's vote as "the Ukraine" LOL.

OH, by the way, I am scheduled to go off the 120 meter ski jump tomorrow. I will be the fellow in blue

[Ryan]

... in response to Seems The Cold-War Exist Still..., posted by RickM on Feb 12, 2002

Elena Berezhnaya (yuh-LAY-nah behr-EZ-nie-yuh) is not a favorite of reporters or broadcasters of North America.  She really does not like the U.S.A. or Canada for that mater, and she lets that be known.   Why does she feel this way?

Elena Berezhnaya was taking an over-the-counter medication on the advice of an American physician, for bronchitis. She then tested positive for a banned stimulant for the category of stimulants, which includes ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, caffeine and strychnine. Berezhnaya is the first female in the sport of figure skating to test positive for a banned substance.
Reporter Asks- Do you plan to train in America and after ending of Games?

Anton Sikharulidze (AN-ton seek-HAH-ru-leed-zeh): No, most likely, we shall arrive back to St. Petersburg. Even if this Olympiad will be for us last and we shall leave into professionals, in America we shall spend no more than three-four months in one year.  Really Americans adore only their own skaters

Elena Berezhnaya: I also do not have any desire to remain in the country which till now do not allow my mum to visit me.

After winning their second World title in 1998 in Helsinki, they decided to follow their coach, Tamara Moskvina, to train in the United States.  At the European Championships the following year in Vienna, Sikharulidze was sporting a huge cut over his left eye.  He declined to comment, but did say that living in America was a huge adjustment for them.

She just can't win:
A week ago, to relax a bit from pre-Olympic training, Berezhnaya and Sikharulidze decided to try some snowmobiling, and Berezhnaya followed that little adventure by going to a tanning salon. The combination of sun, wind and simulated sun gave Berezhnaya a considerable burn, and with it she had an allergic reaction.

Note:Russian pair teams have won the Olympic gold medal every four years since 1964.