UK's Law fights for gold through legal team

Great Britain’s legal team will launch the latest gold medal bid today, with team leader Simon Clegg believing Leslie Law has a ‘black-and-white’ claim on a three-day event victory.

Law flew out of Athens last night – so he will not be around when a combined British, French and American appeal against Bettina Hoy’s triumph is lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport later today - but he will be the major beneficiary if it succeeds.

German rider Hoy won the individual and team gold on Wednesday – but not before a row had erupted over a false start which could have cost her 14 points and both her medals.

Tournament officials first imposed the penalty on Hoy, then took it away again - leaving Britain fuming, especially once Law had been confirmed as runner-up.

With Pippa Funnell in line for a bronze and the five-member team set to collect silver if the appeal succeeds, Clegg feels the athletes must be supported – particularly because he thinks the case is clear cut.

“As I understand it, once a rider crosses the start line the time starts – it is as black and white as that,” said Clegg.

“If we feel an injustice has occurred we have a responsibility to our athletes to try and put it right. There was complete unanimity between the countries affected that this was an incorrect decision, so we will be lodging the papers with CAS today.”

France and the United States, who could move to first and third in the team standings, will join a combined fight with Britain after a two-hour meeting between the three countries ended with a unanimous decision to continue the battle.

Rules state that riders are allowed 45 seconds after the bell rings to start their round. But Hoy, who lives in Gloucestershire, went across the start line but did not start her round – turning a circle instead.

The judge had already started the clock and counted 14 seconds from when she made the circle towards the start line before putting the clock back to zero again when she crossed the start for a second time.

All countries will be bound by CAS’ decision, which should be made within 24 hours of the appeal being received.

By that time, the British team will be getting used to life back at home after flying out of Athens last night.

Law, who rose from 10th overnight, fell victim to the rule himself in Poland two years ago when the mistake cost him 16 points.

He is not going to let the row affect his post-event celebrations but does think the rules should be applied.

“It might not happen very often, but that doesn’t mean you ignore it,” he said.

“Pressure can do a lot of things to competitors and officials, and the rules are there for everyone. I can’t do anything about it now and I’m happy to let Simon Clegg pursue the matter as he sees fit.

“Either way, we went out on Wednesday night and celebrated what we have achieved this week. We have done our best and come away with medals – no one could have asked much more than that.”