The Canadian Team Exonerated of American Claims of Rigging Skeleton Olympic Selection Race

The Canadian skeleton team were cleared of accusations that they rigged a selection race for the upcoming Games, thereby denying competitors from other nations a spot to qualify.

Central Claim and Investigation

US skeleton veteran a five-time Olympian alleged the team from Canada of pulling a majority of its entered athletes from a race in Lake Placid. She claimed this shrunk the competition, making fewer qualifying points 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 an event at any time,” stated the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF).

After reviewing the matter, the IBSF announced it would not impose sanctions, dismissing the complaints as no rules were broken of its code.

Canada's Explanation

In response, the Canadian federation defended the decision, citing competitor health and the need for recovery. They stated that the individuals pulled had already raced multiple times that week and the decision was “correct, transparent and in keeping with both their well-being and the sport's fairness.”

Representatives of the US, Denmark, Israel, and Malta had voiced “deep worry” about the qualification process.

Uhlaender's Olympic Quest

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 former world champion whose best Games result was fourth place in 2014.

A Contentious Sporting Climate

The controversy occurs amidst a time of heightened tension in sports between the two North American nations. Recent political rhetoric and trade disputes have fueled a spirited competitive atmosphere. Notable recent events include heated ice hockey matches and a thrilling World Series between teams from the neighboring nations.