![Figure skating team event medal ceremony. [Photo=EPA·Yonhap]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/02/11/20260211040318258740.jpg)
Figure skating team event medal ceremony. [Photo=EPA·Yonhap]
The organizing committee for the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics has issued an official apology after some athletes’ skate blades were damaged during the figure skating team event medal ceremony because of problems with the podium surface.
The Associated Press reported that during the ceremony on Sunday, several skaters, including members of the gold medal-winning U.S. team such as ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, had their blades damaged by the rough, anti-slip surface of the podium.
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who won silver in women’s singles, was also seen stepping off the podium and immediately checking her blades after celebrating with her medal.
Japan’s delegation raised concerns about the podium surface and filed an official protest with organizers, who later promised corrective steps.
Organizers said they will replace the podium surface to prevent a repeat. They also said they will provide blade-sharpening services and additional training sessions for medalists from the United States, Japan and Italy.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this caused,” the committee said, adding that it reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the best possible competition environment for all athletes.
The Associated Press reported that during the ceremony on Sunday, several skaters, including members of the gold medal-winning U.S. team such as ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, had their blades damaged by the rough, anti-slip surface of the podium.
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who won silver in women’s singles, was also seen stepping off the podium and immediately checking her blades after celebrating with her medal.
Japan’s delegation raised concerns about the podium surface and filed an official protest with organizers, who later promised corrective steps.
Organizers said they will replace the podium surface to prevent a repeat. They also said they will provide blade-sharpening services and additional training sessions for medalists from the United States, Japan and Italy.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this caused,” the committee said, adding that it reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the best possible competition environment for all athletes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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