Federations Roundup - U.S. Speedskating Scandal; Rugby Next Up for Olympic Stadium?

U.S. Speedskating, Athletes, Await Inquiry

U.S. Speedskating says it hopes an inquiry into charges of athlete abuse against its short track coach can be resolved before important races at the end of the month.

Jae Su Chun denies allegations of abusing his athletes. He was placed on administrative leave this weekend due in part due to "intense media attention" the case was receiving.Practice sessions for the U.S. skaters have been shut to the press for now.

Chun faces allegations of physical abuse and among other charges, calling female speedskaters "fat" and "disgusting".

"I have not abused athletes in any way and am confident I will be found innocent at the outcome of the investigation," Chun said in a statement released through a spokesman.

The allegations are contained in a grievance filed Aug. 30 by 14 current and five former members of the U.S. speedskating team.

In a teleconference with reporters Monday, U.S. Speedskating marketing director Tamara Castellano expressed hope that the inquiry could be resolved by the time of U.S. trials for the upcoming season on Sep. 27.

A New York law firm, White & Case, is conducting the investigation on a pro-bono basis under an agreement with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Rugby World Cup Wants Olympic Stadium

Organizers of the 2015 Rugby World Cup say they are keen to use the London 2012 Olympic Stadium to stage matches.

"There is some doubt about who will be the landlords of the stadium but we have engaged with the Olympic Park legacy company and are talking about the venue for the tournament," tournament chief operating officer Ross Young was quoted Monday by Reuters one day before the three-year countdown milestone to the rugby showpiece.

"You would be mad not to include it as part of your thinking," he added.

The future of the 80,000-seat venue hangs in the balance. Four bidders including Premier League football club West Ham are attempting to secure a long-term tenancy at the venue where the athletics track is to be retained. The club are favorites to succeed in their bid.

Targeting record audiences and $160 million in profits, the Olympic Stadium would help organizers to meet their goals.Rugby meccas such as Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and Twickenham likely will be joined by British football grounds including Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley to host Rugby World Cup matches.

Former London 2012 sport director Debbie Jevans, who was appointed as RWC 2015’s chief executive earlier this month, will have a major input into the venue selection process.

"We are conscious that there has been an amazing event that has happened in London in the Olympics.Everyone is having withdrawal symptoms," said International Rugby Board chief executive Brett Gosper .

"Everyone was in awe of what happened...it's putting the right kind of pressure on us, but we're confident we'll deliver."

Race Walking Champ for IAAF Hall

Ukrainian race walker Vladimir Golubnichiy joins the inaugural class of the IAAF Hall of Fame.

"The incredible career of Golubnichiy made his inclusion in the IAAF Hall of Fame unquestionable," IAAF president Lamine Diack said Saturday in a statement.

"Not only was he a repeat Olympic champion and world record breaker, the span of his international career was truly awe-inspiring. With a silver and bronze giving him a total of four Olympic podium places, Golubnichiy, who set his first world mark in 1955, was still good enough for seventh place at the 1976 Olympics!"

Diack’s announcement came in conjunction with the 2012 IAAF Race Walking Challenge Final staged Friday in Erdos, China.

Three more names will be revealed ahead of the IAAF Centenary Gala on Nov. 24 in Barcelona, where Golubnichiy and his 23 classmates will be officially inducted.

Written by Mark Bisson, Ed Hula III, and Matthew Grayson.

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