Canada Exonerated of American Allegations of Rigging Skeleton Olympic Selection Race
Canada's skeleton athletes were cleared of accusations that they rigged a qualifying event for the Winter Olympics, thereby denying competitors from other nations a spot to secure their place.
The Core Allegation and Investigation
US skeleton veteran Katie Uhlaender accused the team from Canada of withdrawing a majority of its entered athletes from a recent event in New York. She claimed this reduced the field, making fewer qualifying points available. Although she took first place, the American athlete did not secure her berth for the Milan-Cortina Games.
“Existing federation regulations permit National Federations to pull competitors from an event at any time,” declared the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF).
After reviewing the matter, the federation announced it would take no action, rejecting the allegations as no rules were broken of its code.
Defense and Rationale
In response, the Canadian federation defended the decision, pointing to athlete welfare and the need for rest. They asserted that some athletes had already raced multiple times that week and the move was “correct, clear and in keeping with both athlete welfare and the sport's fairness.”
Coaches from several affected nations had voiced “serious concerns” about the qualification process.
The Athlete's Future
The 41-year-old athlete, the Milan-Cortina Games represent her final Games. Her path to qualification remains, the probable American berths are projected for other athletes. She is a 2012 world gold medalist whose closest Olympic finish was just off the podium in 2014.
A Contentious Sporting Climate
The controversy occurs amidst a time of heightened tension in sports between the two North American nations. Statements from political figures and tariff impositions have added to a intense sporting rivalry. Notable recent events include heated ice hockey matches and a seven-game baseball championship between teams from the two countries.
