In the match that would decide who would fence for the gold, Germany's Britta Heidemann landed a match-clinching touch. But was it in time? South Korea's Shin A Lam didn't think so. So she refused to leave.
The Stakes:
Germany's Britta Heidemann and South Korea's Shin A Lam had already fought to a draw in regulation. Whichever fencer got a touch next would move on to the gold medal round of the Women's Individual Epeé. There was one second left on the clock in the extra frame.
The Moment:
The Complaint:
The clock never started! So Heidemann had more than one second to land the winning touch. At the very least, whether she landed it in time was highly in doubt. The match should have continued into another round, but instead Shin was declared the loser. So South Korea's coach went to the judges.
The Ruling:
Despite the clock issue, they ruled that the touch was good and that Heidemann was the victor. South Korea's coach went off to file a formal appeal.
