Introduction to the Controversy
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is demanding that Katie Uhlaender, the skeleton athlete at the center of an Olympic qualification controversy, be given a discretionary spot at February’s Winter Games in Milan-Cortina to "preserve" her Olympic dream. Uhlaender, a two-time world champion, says she was unfairly denied the chance to reach her sixth Winter Games at a qualifying event in Lake Placid, New York, earlier this month.
Allegations Against Canada’s Skeleton Coach
She accused Canada’s skeleton coach Joe Cecchini of intentionally excluding his female racers from the event with the aim of depriving her and other athletes of key Olympic qualifying points. In a letter addressed to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, the USOPC said Cecchini’s actions "circumvented Olympic qualifying principles" and "undermined fair competition." A “change” to the qualification system is “justified at this time given the exceptional circumstances,” according to the USOPC letter. This resulted in significant reputational damage to the sport around the world.
Details of the Incident
The issue concerns allegations that another national federation delayed the withdrawal of four of its female skeleton athletes from competition until they could no longer be replaced by other competitors. Uhlaender has been taking part in the sport since 2003. The Canadian Skeleton Federation previously defended Cecchini’s actions as "appropriate, transparent and consistent with the welfare of the athletes and the integrity of the sport" before the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) cleared the Canadian team of wrongdoing on January 15, saying no rules had been broken.
Criticism of IBSF Investigation
However, the IBSF reminded athletes and coaches of the concepts of “fair play and ethical behavior” – a “slap on the wrist,” according to one source – while suggesting that its rules be adjusted for future events. Uhlaender criticized the IBSF for not conducting a “proper” investigation. She said she was not asked to provide evidence, including a recording of a telephone conversation she had with Cecchini in which she said he admitted his plan. In the recording, Cecchini told Uhlaender that he had to assess "what is in the best interest of our program and my team, both psychologically and point-wise."
Uhlaender’s Case
Uhlaender won in Lake Placid. However, she only received 90 points for her victory, instead of the full 120 that would have been awarded if there were 21 or more athletes participating. Because each country has a maximum number of athletes per Olympic competition, she was unable to catch up with her closest competitor on the US skeleton team, Mystique Ro. Ultimately, Uhlaender missed out on getting into Milan-Cortina by just 18 points. The USOPC said creating an “additional spot” for the 41-year-old to compete in the Winter Games would “preserve the value of fair play as well as the primary goal of the qualification system, which is to allow “the participation of the best athletes.”
Conclusion
The USOPC called Uhlaender "one of the best athletes in the world" and said her participation would "strengthen the competitive field." It is rare that free places are allocated. The IOC and IBSF have been contacted for comment. Uhlaender is now focused on legally challenging what she believes to be a fundamentally flawed investigation and decision by the IBSF to secure a final spot in her sixth and final Olympic Games.
