Actually, Daniela Maier didn't want the medal at all.

Then it was subsequently awarded to her.

But now she has to give it back.

A prime example of how higher authorities can cause confusion when athletes were actually in agreement was presented by the appointment committee of the World Ski Association Fis this weekend.

In cooperation with the jury at the Olympic ski cross race ten days ago.

Achim Dreis

sports editor.

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At that time, the Swiss Fanny Smith finished third in the final in Zhangjiakou.

Maier finished fourth.

The young German was appropriately disappointed, but didn't even think of protesting.

Nevertheless, the jury withdrew to study the video.

And realized that the Swiss had hindered her rival by taking a step to the left.

"No, no, no," Daniela Maier exclaimed during the review: "That was just normal ski cross." But there was no mercy: Smith was reset, Maier got bronze.

And cried sympathetic tears of joy after the great success - because it was not only the first Olympic medal for her, but for the entire ski cross division in the German Ski Association (DSV).

Now the emotional roll backwards after the Swiss Ski Association protested and this was granted.

"To be honest, I'm surprised by the new situation," Maier initially took the downgrade in a sporty manner.

She was "excited to see what will happen now".

Competitor Smith, for her part, was now "relieved about this decision".

The Swiss said she was always convinced that she hadn't made a mistake.

At the same time, the subsequent exchange of medals for Daniela Maier, who is now "suffering from the situation," hurts her.

The question is whether the last word in this legal circus has already been spoken.

DSV President Franz Steinle immediately announced further legal steps, "possibly also to the international sports court Cas".

The news of the demotion reached Maier on the return trip from the Urals.

Because of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, the DSV had brought back its ski crossers from there.

Daniela Maier still had her Olympic medal in her hand luggage.

Because she had traveled directly from Beijing.