Canada,29,JAN,2026,(India Today News CA):- An International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) investigation recently ruled that Team Canada’s actions in a North American Cup skeleton event were intentional, aimed at limiting points to block U.S. athlete Katie Uhlaender from Olympic qualification.
Incident Overview
Team Canada coaches withdrew four sliders from the final Lake Placid race, reducing available points from 120 to 90 despite Uhlaender winning the event; this left her 18 points short of qualifying for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Canada initially cited athlete health, safety, and program needs, but evidence—including statements from Canadian racer Madeline Parra—showed the move protected their own Olympic quota for athlete Jane.
Tribunal Ruling
The IBSF appeals tribunal confirmed the manipulation was “intentional and directed to reducing the points available,” upholding Uhlaender’s complaint on intent but dismissing it due to no rules for altering past event records or results.
No sanctions were specified, and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton had not publicly responded as of late January 2026.
Uhlaender’s Response
Uhlaender, seeking a record sixth U.S. Olympic appearance, called it “blatant competition manipulation” with no consequences for coach Joe Cecchini.
