Canada has launched a strong defence towards accusations it intentionally withdrew 4 athletes from a skeleton race, a transfer that dashed eventual winner Katie Uhlaender’s hopes of qualifying for the Winter Olympics.
The Worldwide Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation is investigating after the US’ Uhlaender alleged that her possibilities of qualifying for a sixth Olympics have been sabotaged by Canada’s determination to take away athletes from the North American Cup race in Lake Placid.
The diminished subject led to a lower within the variety of Olympic qualification factors accessible to Uhlaender, thereby ending the five-time Olympian’s hopes of reaching Milan Cortina.
Uhlaender claimed that Canada’s head coach, Joe Cecchini, made her conscious of the plans forward of Sunday’s race, and he or she understood the choice was made to make sure Jane Channell’s qualification.
“I cried when I found out he went through with this plan,” the 41-year-old stated. “I didn’t know if it hurt more that my friend of 20 years just nailed my coffin, my Olympic dream is over, or that my best friend of 20 years is doing something so horrible that hurts so many people.”
Uhlaender’s accusations have prompted an investigation by the Worldwide Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s Integrity Unit.
In an announcement, the IBSF stated: “Following the recent discussions around the withdrawal of several Canadian skeleton athletes at last weekend’s IBSF North American Cup in Lake Placid, the IBSF has requested its Integrity Unit to conduct an investigation into the incident.”
Governing physique Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton staunchly defended its determination, insisting its actions “were appropriate, transparent, and aligned with both athlete welfare and the integrity of the sport.”
It acknowledged withdrawing athletes had an unintended impression on the scale of the sector and the variety of growth factors however stated the choice was made in session with the IBSF.
“The Lake Placid event presented unique circumstances, as it consisted of three races in a single week rather than the standard two. Four of our athletes entered in the event are young and relatively new to the sport. All experienced a particularly challenging week on the track,” a BCS assertion learn.
“It was determined that continuing to race these athletes was not in their best interests. As a result, they were withdrawn from further competition at that venue this weekend. Our two most experienced athletes continued to compete.”
Denmark, Israel and Malta are understood to have had athletes affected by the withdrawal and have joined the US in elevating the problem with the Worldwide Olympic Committee’s athletes’ fee.
