Cousins: The right outcome

Both pairs can now call themselves champions

Olympic gold medallist figure skater Robin Cousins gives his reaction to BBC Sport Online's Anna Thompson in Salt Lake City.

Under the circumstances it was the right decision to award a second gold medal to Jamie Sale and David Pelletier.

It was also an important move to make the announcement before the ice dance began on Friday.

The Russians Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze skated completely unaware of what was about to happen and, as such, it is fair they should keep their gold as well.

The International Skating Union was always going to suspend the French judge Madame Marie-Reine Le Gougne after hearing evidence of misconduct.

The Canadians produced a flawless display

She is a relatively new judge on the circuit.

But it would never have been detected if the errors from the Russian skaters were not so apparent.

We all watched the performances and all shared the same disbelief when the Canadians' score was announced.

The ISU has also said there is a proposal to make ruling changes and it is set for a trial period.

That could mean neutral judges in the future which would hopefully end rumours of collusion.

It is a shame that this controversy has brought the ISU into question but it now means it is a step in the right direction for the future of fair skating.

I'm glad it has been resolved.