The Canadian Team Exonerated of US Claims of Manipulating Bobsleigh Olympic Selection Event
Canada's skeleton athletes were cleared of charges that they rigged a qualifying event for the upcoming Games, which allegedly denied competitors from other nations a chance to secure their place.
The Core Allegation and Investigation
US skeleton veteran Katie Uhlaender accused the team from Canada of pulling a majority of its entered athletes from a race in Lake Placid. The allegation was this shrunk the competition, making a lower points pool available. Despite winning the event, Uhlaender failed to earn her qualifying position for the Milan-Cortina Games.
“Existing federation regulations allow member nations to withdraw athletes from competition at any time,” declared the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF).
After reviewing the matter, the federation announced it would take no action, dismissing the complaints as no rules were broken of its regulations.
Defense and Rationale
Reacting to the claims, the Canadian federation stood by the withdrawals, pointing to competitor health and the need for rest. They asserted that the individuals pulled had competed extensively that week and the move was “correct, clear and aligned with both their well-being and the integrity of the sport.”
Representatives of several affected nations had previously expressed “deep worry” about the qualification process.
The Athlete's Future
The 41-year-old athlete, the Milan-Cortina Games are planned to be her last Games. While she can still qualify, the likely American berths are expected to go to Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro. She is a 2012 world gold medalist whose best Games result was just off the podium in 2014.
A Contentious Sporting Climate
The controversy comes during a period of heightened tension in athletic competitions involving Canada and the US. Recent political rhetoric and trade disputes have added to a intense sporting rivalry. Recent memorable clashes include the 4 Nations Face-off and a thrilling World Series featuring clubs in the neighboring nations.
