Canada Exonerated of US Claims of Rigging Skeleton Olympic Selection Race
The Canadian skeleton team have been absolved of charges that they deliberately manipulated a qualifying event for the Winter Olympics, thereby denying rival athletes a spot to secure their place.
The Core Allegation and Investigation
A prominent American athlete a five-time Olympian accused the Canadian squad of pulling four of its six competitors from a race in Lake Placid. The allegation was this reduced the field, making a lower points pool available. Despite winning the event, the American athlete did not secure her qualifying position for the Milan-Cortina Games.
“The current IBSF Rules permit member nations to pull competitors from competition at any time,” stated the governing body.
After reviewing the matter, the IBSF announced it would not impose sanctions, dismissing the complaints 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 recovery. 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 previously expressed “deep worry” about the selection system's integrity.
The Athlete's Future
The 41-year-old athlete, the Milan-Cortina Games are planned to be her final Games. Her path to qualification remains, the likely US team spots 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
This incident occurs amidst a time of increased rivalry in sports between the two North American nations. Recent political rhetoric and trade disputes have added to a intense competitive atmosphere. Notable recent events include the 4 Nations Face-off and a thrilling World Series featuring clubs in the two countries.
