Judge Backs 3 Skiers

Three skiers left off the U.S. Olympic freestyle team won their appeal to be added to the squad after an arbitrator ruled the selection procedure wasn’t fair or clear.

Stacey Blumer, seven-time U.S. champion and defending overall World Cup champion, and moguls skiers Jim Moran of Stowe, Vt., and Evan Dybvig of Tunbridge, Vt., were ordered to be put on the team after a two-day arbitration hearing.

Blumer filed the appeal with the Colorado office of the American Arbitration Association on behalf of herself and the two other skiers after she learned Monday the three had not made the team.

Former world champion snowboarder Ross Powers of South Londonderry, Vt., and Todd Richards of Breckenridge, Colo., continued their friendly duel down to the final ride of an Olympic qualifier at Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Although Powers won, both earned an Olympic berth.

Ron Chiodi of Stratton Mountain, Vt., and Shannon Dunn of Steamboat Springs, Colo., also earned halfpipe spots on the inaugural Olympic Snowboard Team.