The Dutch skating association and Olympic committee have launched an investigation into claims that speed skater Gretha Smit and her coach Ingrid Paul tried to buy her a place on the starting line for the 5,000 meter event at the winter Olympics in Turin three years ago.

Polish skater Katarzyna Wojcicka told Nos tv on Sunday Smit and Paul had offered her €50,000 to give up her place in the race. Smit was first reserve for the event.
Paul, who now coaches the Canadian speed skating team, denied the claims. ‘Where would I have got the money from?’ she said. ‘And as far as I am aware, the sponsor did not offer any money either.’
Smit, who has since retired from competitive skating, was unavailable for comment.