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The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s Interim Integrity Unit dismissed complaints about the withdrawal of four Canadian skeleton racers from the North American Cup races last week in Lake Placid, New York in view of a specific IBSF rule. From the announcement:
“The late withdrawal of athletes intuitively gives rise to concern that the action may have constituted impermissible manipulation, a matter that is within the competence of the IIU to adjudicate. At the same time, the express language of Section 7 of the IBSF Code of Ethics precludes any finding that conduct ‘expressly permitted’ by the competition rules is ‘improper’ or creates an ‘undue benefit.’ As a consequence, the IIU dismisses the complaints.
“Notwithstanding the above conclusions, the IIU reminds the Canadian coach and the National Federation that, whilst acting within the letter of the IBSF Code of Conduct, it is expected that all parties concerned should also act within the spirit of the Code, whose aim is to promote fair play and ethical conduct at all times.”
Multiple federations, including Denmark, Israel and the U.S. raised questions about why only two Canadians raced after six were entered and five-time U.S. Olympian Katie Uhlaender placed the blame on Canadian coach Joe Cecchini (ITA), saying he removed the entrants because he “wanted to make sure that we could not get full points.” Her long-shot quest to make a sixth team was ended by the lack of points, even though she won all three races at the North American Cup event. She trails teammate (and U.S. no. 2) Mystique Ro, 660 to 694, going into this last weekend of racing, but Ro is in the higher-point World Cup races and Uhlaender did not make the World Cup team.
Under the qualifying rules and standings, two countries (currently Germany and Great Britain) get three Olympic entries and the next four countries (for women) get two places. The U.S., China and Italy are set, but Canada is hanging on for a second spot with no. 2 Jane Channell standing 26th and Austria’s no. 2 Julia Erlacher in 28th. It is close, with one weekend to go.
The IIU decision noted:
● “During the IBSF North American Cup Races in Lake Placid (7-11 January 2026), Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton had registered 6 Women´s Skeleton athletes for the competition (training and race).
“None of the athletes participated in the first training session. On the second and final training day (9 January 2026), only two female Canadian athletes participated in the official training. According to IBSF International Skeleton Rules, an athlete must complete two training heats without accident to be allowed to participate in the race (Art 10.1.5) – as a result, the other four female Canadian athletes were not eligible to participate in the race.”
● “The late withdrawal caused complaints from International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) members and allegations of a potential competition manipulation by BCS, particularly its coach, as it resulted in a reduction of ranking points for all participants to 75% instead of 100%, potentially supporting allegations that Canada was aiming to secure a second quota place at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
“In addition, allegations were raised regarding a possible breach of the Code of Ethics, in particular with respect to the principle of fair play.”
● “Section 8.6(d) of the IBSF International Skeleton Rules states that ‘Entries may be withdrawn at any time. Already paid entry fees are non-refundable.’ The International Skeleton Rules do not provide any additional consequences for late withdrawal of athletes.”
The decision also stated that, looking to the future, the “IBSF will task its Sport Committee to review this incident that occurred at the NAC in Lake Placid during the Sport Committee meeting in spring and possibly suggest adjustments to the Rules.”
Observed: The text and tone of the IIU decision points to a level of distaste for what was done, but the rules are completely clear on the specific issues, including ineligibility for not taking any training runs, a measure significantly designed for safety.
Uhlaender and others have also appealed to the International Olympic Committee, which has not issued any statement. Regardless of anyone’s view of the decision itself, it is to the credit of the IBSF and its integrity unit that a filing from a weekend race issue had a detailed decision announced and published on the following Thursday.
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