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Backstroke brouhaha linked to blank judges' report ANDREW DAMPF; Associated Press Writer // Associated Press Worldstream // August 21, 2004 Copyright 2004 Associated Press All Rights Reserved Visit USA Swimming The backstroke brouhaha at the Olympic pool was the result of a blank judges' report, a high-ranking swim official said Friday. Initially, no one could explain why American Aaron Peirsol's victory Thursday in the 200-meter backstroke was temporarily taken away and then given back. Officials said only that a judgment on Peirsol's final turn was "not in the working language of FINA," the sport's world governing body. It turns out there was no "language" at all, FINA executive director Cornel Marculescu said. "Nothing at all, it was only signed," he said. "Normally they would write what violation was made." Marculescu confirmed that lane judge Denis Cadon of France signaled a violation, and chief officer Felix Mikhailov of Russia and referee Woon Sui Kut of Singapore signed off on the blank report. Marculescu said there were no actual language problems and that Sui Kut, who was in charge on the pool deck, speaks fluent English. The working languages of FINA are English and French. Sui Kut could be banned for the fiasco. "The only person to decide is the referee. Unfortunately, he signed the report with nothing written on it. It's really strange," Marculescu said. "Probably the FINA bureau will look at him in the coming days." International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who watched Friday night's races at the aquatic center, said he had heard about the controversy, but would not comment on it "because this is not something that I should be involved in." "This is a matter for the international federation," he said. Marculescu said no decision had been made about the judges yet, but there would almost certainly be some rule clarifications made at the FINA Congress in Montreal during next year's world championships. "We are learning every day and we are improving. Unfortunately, these things happen that shouldn't happen," he said. "The most important thing is the medal was awarded correctly." Peirsol was also relieved. "I knew I didn't do anything wrong," he said. "It was a rollercoaster. I am sad for those who thought they were on the podium and were then thrown out of it after my race was made valid." Peirsol, the world record-holder and current world champion, led most of the race and easily beat the field, touching first in 1 minute, 54.95 seconds. He was more than two seconds ahead of the next swimmer, Austria's Marcus Rogan, a close friend. Rogan wound up with silver in 1:57.35, while Romania's Razvan Florea settled for bronze (1:57.56). Britain's James Goddard, who initially had a bronze, dropped back to fourth in 1:57.76. The United States filed a protest, but FINA overturned the ruling about 30 minutes after the race - just before the medals ceremony. Though Austria and Britain filed appeals in an attempt to get back their gold and bronze medals, FINA's Jury of Appeal unanimously rejected the protests. "It was scary for a while, especially if it's a judgment call," U.S. men's coach Eddie Reese said. "You don't want to ever disqualify a kid on a mistaken call." Backstrokers turn on their stomachs heading into the wall, and the rule states that any kick or arm stroke must be part of the continuous turning action. Lenny Krayzelburg, Peirsol's teammate and the 200 backstroke champion at the 2000 Sydney Games, watched the race on TV at the athletes' village. "I didn't think it was any different than what he does on every turn. I don't know why it was such an issue," Krayzelburg said. "The 200 back is a tough race. On that third turn you're going into a tough time. If anything, he slowed down."

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If you have energy for accusing falsely of Kitajima or judges use that energy for correcting yourself. If you think you are honest you have to accept what you did was wrong. There are 3 judges who alleged and they still insist that you have used an illegal turn and these all judges are 25years of experienced professional Olympics judges with pride.

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How dare youH Where's your respect for your Swimming and Olympic Game SPIRIT, Your EGO and SELFISH are ALL YOUR PRIORIRIES and you don't have any pride that take your responsibility for you@have made.There's no noble sportsmanship on you.

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Aaron I admire you soooo much! I was so happy to see you capture the gold! You are by far the most gorgeous guy I've ever seen! Athletes are hot, and I think I've found a replacement for my baseball idol Derek Jeter!

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Congratulations! Aaron kicks butt!

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Congratulations! Aaron kicks butt!

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I THINK THEY ARE FRIENDS.BUT THERE SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS ABOUT MARKUS ROGAN.WELL I DONT CARE EVEN IF HIS A GAY OR AARON IS A GAY OR SOMETHING.BUT I LIKE THEM BOTH.

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DO NOT CHEAT YOURSELF!!!!!!