January 15, 2012 (Rumford, ME) – Three-time US Olympic Nordic skier, Torin Koos, had been issued a written warning for starting out of position during the mass start of the Men’s 30km classical race, on January 6, at the 2012 US Cross Country Championships held at Rumford’s Black Mountain of Maine. Koos did not file an appeal for this warning at the time it was presented.

During the “A” Finals of the Classic Technique Sprints on January 8th, Koos was observed making a pass on a slower skier, reportedly Ryan Scott, during which Koos changed lanes and clipped Scott’s tips which is a violation of rules which require ample distance be given before changing lanes to prevent interference or “obstruction”.

While Scott is said not to have filed the complaint against Koos, a complaint was filed and investigated, and Koos was presented with a second written warning which, by the International Skiing Federation (FIS or Federation International de Ski) rules, requires disqualification for the particular event being raced. This cost Koos a gold medal.

The decision of the Jury to present Koos with either written warning and his disqualification have resulted in heated debate in the US Nordic competition community.

Upon learning about the disqualification, Koos and his coach filed a dual appeal for both infractions to the Jury at the US Championships. The Jury denied the appeal and, as prescribed by FIS regulations, the appeal was escalated to FIS, where the appeal was, once again, denied on grounds of both lack of evidence and technicalities.

The FIS decision is HERE.

Questions about the appeal should be directed to Luke Bodensteiner, Executive Vice President, Athletics, USSA at 435-649-9090. Questions about the original Jury decisions should be directed to Allan Serrano at allanjserrano@gmail.com

Results may be found HERE.