Dzeviatouski, Tsikhan spend $400K in court battles over Olympic medals

Belarus hammer-throwers Vadzim Dzviatouski and Ivan Tsikhan have spent nearly $400,000 in their court battle against the International Olympic Committee, Vadzim Dzeviatouski told the European Radio for Belarus. However, it was their personal money only. "We began spending ourselves -- sround $50,000. Afterwards, we were suppported by sponsors and the people who backed us. For instance, Dinamo sport society helped a lot. The last $90,000 we borrowed", Dzeviatouski said.

We remind that the two sportsmen were disqualified for life by the International Olympic Committee for using dope during the Olympic Games in Beijing. Their medals were also cancelled. The sportsmen objected to the decision and filed a lawsuit against the International Olympic Committee. The last hearing took place in Switzerland on January 25-27,2010. The final decision will be announced during this spring.