'A bit stressful': Olympic organisers apologise after complaints over medal podium

The organising committee for the Milan Cortina Olympics is apologising for the surface of the podium used at the Milano Ice Skating Arena that caused minor damage to the blades of figure skaters celebrating their team medals.

Several of the athletes, including Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the gold medal-winning US team, reported nicks and blemishes from the anti-slip surface.

Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, whose team took silver, was among those who noticed it right away, skating away from the podium to check on her blades while simultaneously celebrating her medal.

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Japan eventually lodged a formal complaint about the abrasive nature of the podium.

Marco Fabbrim of team Italy confirmed other athletes had also experienced problems.

"We didn't realise once we were on the podium that there was something weird about the surface of the podium," he said.

"There were some small stones, almost. We couldn't feel it on the podium. But then as soon as we we stepped down (onto the ice) everyone was like, 'I cannot move anymore, I cannot slide anymore.' It was like the same feeling as having some glue under the blade. And so today we had to sharpen the blade. So it was a little bit stressful."

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The organisers said that they were "taking steps to replace the surface to prevent a reoccurrence," and that blade-sharpening services would be made available along with an additional training session for the US, Japanese and bronze medallist Italian teams.

"We also understand that some [National Olympic Committees] have offered their services to the impacted athletes from other countries in a true example of the Olympic spirit," the committee said, adding that it "apologises for the inconvenience caused and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the best possible conditions for all athletes."

Skaters typically use freshly sharpened blades as a last resort, because it can take time for them to get worked back in.

Instead, they turn to what are called honing stones that they run along the blades to remove any nicks and burrs.

Some wondered whether the blades may have caused a problem for Chock and Bates in the rhythm dance Monday night, when the favoured Americans were beaten by the French couple of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron by a slim margin.

"I think the skates are fine. The blades are good," Bates said afterward. "We skated great. We felt like it was really strong."