Canada Exonerated of American Allegations of Manipulating Bobsleigh Qualifying Event
The Canadian skeleton team have been absolved of charges that they rigged a qualifying event for the upcoming Games, which allegedly denied rival athletes a spot to secure their place.
The Core Allegation and Investigation
US skeleton veteran a five-time Olympian alleged the Canadian squad of pulling a majority of its competitors from a race in Lake Placid. The allegation was this reduced the field, making a lower points pool available. Although she took first place, the American athlete did not secure her berth for the Milan-Cortina Games.
“Existing federation regulations allow National Federations to pull competitors from an event at any time,” stated the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF).
Following an investigation, the federation stated it would take no action, rejecting the allegations as no rules were broken of its regulations.
Canada's Explanation
In response, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton defended the decision, citing competitor health and the need for recovery. The organization asserted that the individuals pulled had already raced multiple times that week and the move was “appropriate, clear and aligned with both athlete welfare and the integrity of the sport.”
Representatives of the US, Denmark, Israel, and Malta had previously expressed “deep worry” about the qualification process.
The Athlete's Future
For Katie Uhlaender, the Milan-Cortina Games are planned to be her last Olympic appearance. While she can still qualify, the probable American berths are expected to go to Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro. Uhlaender is a 2012 world gold medalist whose closest Olympic finish was just off the podium in Sochi 2014.
A Contentious Sporting Climate
The controversy occurs amidst a period of increased rivalry in athletic competitions involving the two North American nations. Recent political rhetoric and trade disputes have added to a intense competitive atmosphere. Notable recent events include heated ice hockey matches and a seven-game baseball championship between teams from the two countries.
