2 Short-track Skaters Get 3-year Suspension

Two short track skaters who won medals at the Vancouver Winter Olympics will receive a three-year suspension from their sport for match fixing.

The agent of double gold medalist Lee Jung-su said Wednesday that the Korea Skating Union has informed both Lee and silver medalist Kwak Yun-gy of its decision to suspend them over the scandal. A joint investigation committee of the Korean Olympic Committee and the union had recommended April 22 a suspension of at least a year for both skaters.

The union held a disciplinary committee meeting following the recommendation and re-investigated the skaters and their coaches. The committee is expected to take heavy disciplinary measures against them because softer action could prompt sanctions on the union by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry and the Olympic committee.

The ban will prevent Lee and Kwak from competitions over the next three years, a decision which means a de facto end to their skating careers.

A union official said the two repeated their own claims and raised the severity of their punishment, adding, “A consensus has apparently been formed on correcting the wrongs in the skating community through this opportunity, as the short-track scandal created a huge stir.”

The two skaters said their suspension is too harsh and are considering an appeal. Under the union rules, athletes can request a review of a disciplinary action within seven days after a decision is made.

The union must hold a review within 30 days after an appeal is filed and make a final decision through its board. Athletes who still reject the review result can file another appeal to the Olympic committee.

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