Norway hires Pedersen as national speed skating coach

OSLO (AP) -- The Norwegian Skating Association has appointed Jarle Pedersen as coach of the national speed skating team after dismissing American Peter Mueller for alleged sexual harassment.

Pedersen, a 54-year-old Norwegian, coaches the Bergen-based Fana IL speed skating team and previously coached the national junior skating team. His appointment was announced Wednesday.

Officials also announced that four-time Olympic gold medalist Johann Olav Koss would serve as Pederson's assistant.

Koss, one of the greatest speed skaters ever, lives in Toronto and runs the nonprofit group Right to Play. Norwegian reports said that Koss would take time off from that job in order to help unite "a team in crisis."

Mueller was fired Monday for alleged sexual harassment because of an inappropriate remark last month to skater Maren Haugli.

Mueller apologized but denied the remark constituted sexual harassment.

Norway’s speed skating team is to travel with Pedersen to the United States on Thursday to prepare for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.