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View Full Version : Debbi Wilkes interview with Povilas Vanagas


Lee
03-26-2002, 12:23 AM
A 'net friend sent me a transcription of the interview from TSN/CTV and I thought I would share it with those who don't get these stations:

[quote:c18cc79665]Debbi Wilkes interview with D/V on TSN today (verbatim):

DW: How are you reacting to this well of support?

V: I think terrible things are happening at ice dancing competitions.
It
is a big black spot which is growing bigger and bigger every year. It
is
getting worse every year. The judging system...(shake of the head and
wry smile)...we are leaving this organization and we are very glad that
we will not be undermarked and pushed to the dirt by the judges who I
don't know what they are doing but they are not judging. They are
playing games, political games, intrigue, taking probably money for
what
they are doing and we are sorry for people who remain with that system
and having those tears and sadness and speculation of their skills done
by judges. We really feel sorry for them and hope this can change.

DW: What can we do to help?

V: You mean the press? Just to show the world and in this way to push
the ISU for the changes and looking for the ways out of this terrible
situation.

DW: How widespread do you think it is?

V: What do you mean spread?

DW: How many people are involved? Is it everywhere? Is it just a few
people?

V: Ar, it is difficult to say because it is said there are more good
people in the world but bad people are more organized, better organized
than good people so they can make big things even if they are a
minority
so it is difficult to say how wide it is but that it exists, very
active
in ISU judging system and under current system that is true.

DW: Why do you think you and Rita have been such a target?

V: Maybe because we have not enough money to pay all the judges.

Rita: I think we are just in the way of the Israel couple. They will
kill anybody who is in their way. Next year, I think it will be the
Canadian couple because we will leave so next year I worry about the
Canadians.

Now Zhulin:

You know it hurt me last night very much and I don't know. I have no
idea what is going on for next 4 years. I think it is the dirtiest
situation for ice dancing - ever. The dirtiest!

DW: Well for someone like you who coaches what are you going to do?

Z: I don't know. Maybe I will quit.
[/quote:c18cc79665]

sulin
03-26-2002, 08:37 AM
Thanks Lee. I did see this on TV but was glad to see it written out as well. I for one am glad that people other than Canadians are finally talking openly about this.

At least they can't punish everyone who speaks out......I hope? :?

SandraD
03-26-2002, 02:44 PM
WEll, sulin, guess I have a big mouth! I've been sending E-mails since the Olympics.....

I'm just surprised more people have not come on the Board and expressed their opinions...

Sandra

sulin
03-26-2002, 03:30 PM
LOL Sandra, I was talking about the Canadian skaters, coaches and Skate Canada officials. We always appreciate any help from our friends to the south of us. :D

big mouth??? naaaahhhhhh! Your comments are always *lovely*. ;)
Besides it's hard to be attacked for whining if you're complaining about how a team or skater from some other country has been treated.

icemachine
03-27-2002, 04:45 PM
thanks lee for posting that!

Taddy
03-28-2002, 04:35 PM
[quote:88e3d418b2]there are more good
people in the world but bad people are more organized, better organized
than good people [/quote:88e3d418b2]

That is my favorite thing he said, how true it is indeed!

Tania
03-29-2002, 11:50 AM
Taddy,

...and he's right on the nose with that comment, it holds true in all walks of life.

Miezekatze
04-03-2002, 07:45 AM
So after some nice posts, I'm ready to express unpopular opinions :wink:

I've lost lots of respect for Povilas Vanagas during the last couple of weeks. He's done nothing but throwing around wild accusations, but hasn't presented any proof to back it up and as long as he doesn't he should keep his mouth shut. The Lithuanians, especially their manager, has been spreading "politik" rumors in the background during the whole season, I don't say they're any worse than some others, but they've been playing their own little games the whole year and now that it didn't work out in the end, they're playing the innocent victims, which I find awfully hypocritical.

And for his "I think the Canadians will be the next victims" comments, how much can you kiss up to the North American media. But hopefully it'll get them the desired show offers, so that they can start their pro career in full force.

sulin
04-03-2002, 01:43 PM
That's an interesting POV Miezekatze. Not being in Europe I haven't heard anything at all coming from the Lithuanian camp until this was reported, so perhaps this is true. IMO it is more important that *someone* other than the Canadians are finally speaking up. This has been an issue for years and people just kept sweeping it under the rug. I greatly fear that if nothing is done to examine and try to address this issue, the entire sport will suffer and will certainly lose all credibility. :(