Canada’s skeleton team refuted allegations made by American slider Katie Uhlaender that their coach sabotaged her chances at the Olympics, prompting a probe by the sport’s governing body. Athletes worldwide are vying for crucial qualification points ahead of the forthcoming Milan Cortina Games, with the qualification window closing this weekend.
During a North American Cup race in Lake Placid, Canada withdrew four out of six female athletes, diminishing the available Olympic qualification points in the competition won by Uhlaender. The 41-year-old American, ranked third among U.S. women and 20th globally, claimed that Canada’s decision to withdraw athletes jeopardized her bid for a sixth Olympic appearance.
Denmark’s bobsled and skeleton federation head, Carsten P. Wulf, echoed Uhlaender’s accusations, denouncing Canada’s actions as contrary to fair play and the Olympic ethos. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS), however, defended the decision, stating it was made in the best interest of athlete welfare. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s Integrity Unit will investigate the matter.
World Cup results carry more weight in rankings than feeder circuits, with a victory in the World Cup worth 225 points. Uhlaender’s victory in the North American Cup earned her 90 points due to a reduced field size. The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to commence on February 6, with the women’s skeleton field limited to 25 competitors based on rankings at the end of the qualification period.
The U.S. bobsled and skeleton federation expressed its commitment to fair play and awaited the IBSF’s decision on the matter. At the same time, maintaining positive international relationships within the sport was highlighted as crucial by the federation.