The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has concluded that Canada's deliberate withdrawal of four athletes from the North American Cup in Lake Placid was intentional manipulation designed to reduce available points and prevent American skeleton slider Katie Uhlaender from earning enough to qualify for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The IBSF Appeals Tribunal ruled that Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) intentionally pulled athletes from the final Lake Placid NAC to limit points distributed, making it mathematically impossible for Uhlaender, a five-time Olympian, to qualify for her sixth Games. The decision stated: “Substantial evidence supports Ms. Uhlaender’s contention that the move was a deliberate effort by Canada to reduce the points available at the final Lake Placid NAC so as to protect its own Olympic quotas.”
Canada originally claimed the withdrawals were for athlete health, safety, and long-term development after “careful evaluation” and IBSF consultation. However, one Canadian racer, Madeline Parra, told The Canadian Press that coaches explained it was “in the best interest for the way points had worked” to secure two Olympic spots for the team.
Uhlaender reacted strongly: “Today’s decision reinforces what I, and many other athletes, have known all along. The actions of Canadian coach Joe Cecchini and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton were intentional and deliberately aimed at reducing the points available. This was blatant competition manipulation, yet there have been no consequences for the coach involved. I am fighting for what is right. I am fighting for my rightful Olympic opportunity. But more importantly, I am fighting for every athlete who has been harmed by competition manipulation.”
The IBSF declined to alter results or sanction Canada, stating the Olympic Movement Code does not allow changing event records except through formal sanctions. Uhlaender is leading an international push for an IOC wildcard, backed by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and 14 other nations: Malta, Israel, Virgin Islands, South Korea, Belgium, Brazil, Jamaica, Denmark, Netherlands, Ghana, Nigeria, Trinidad, Colombia, and Latvia. The USOPC has petitioned IOC President Kirsty Coventry directly, with Uhlaender urging Vice President JD Vance to raise the issue in his upcoming meeting with IOC leadership.
Uhlaender emphasized: “The support I have received from the international bobsleigh and skeleton community has been overwhelming. That support has given me the strength to keep pushing forward, for integrity, accountability, and a sport that truly upholds the values that brought us together to compete. The passion to compete and pursue what we are capable of rises above borders and politics. I will continue to fight for what is right and will pursue this further with my legal counsel to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
The scandal highlights ongoing concerns about fairness in Olympic qualification, especially in niche sports where point totals can hinge on a single event.
