OSLO (AP) — The Norwegian Skating Association appointed Jarle Pedersen as coach of the national speedskating team Wednesday, two days after dismissing Peter Mueller for alleged sexual harassment.
Pedersen, a 54-year-old Norwegian, coaches the Bergen-based Fana IL speedskating team and previously coached the national junior skating team. He takes up the post immediately.
The announcement came less than three months before the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Mueller, an American, was fired Monday for violating his contract by failing to maintain ethical standards. Skater Maren Haugli accused him of sexual harassment because of an inappropriate remark.
Mueller, who made the undisclosed comment at a team breakfast in Berlin on Oct. 31, has apologized, but denied that it constituted sexual harassment. Norwegian Skating Association president Vibecke Sorensen, however, said the remark was serious enough "that we had no other choice than to cancel" his contract.
Mueller, a former U.S. skater and coach of the world-class Netherlands team, is widely credited with reviving the faltering Norwegian speedskating program he took over six years ago.
Pedersen said he welcomes his new position as national coach, describing it as a "major challenge."
"We'll work together to cultivate team solidarity and to make sure we're all moving in the same direction," Pedersen said.
Norway's speedskating team is to travel with Pedersen to the United States on Thursday to prepare for the 2010 Vancouver Games.
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