🔗 Share this article The Canadian Team Cleared of American Claims of Manipulating Skeleton Olympic Selection Race Canada's skeleton athletes have been absolved of accusations that they deliberately manipulated a qualifying event for the upcoming Games, thereby denying rival athletes a spot to secure their place. The Core Allegation and Official Inquiry US skeleton veteran Katie Uhlaender alleged the Canadian squad of pulling a majority of its competitors from a race in Lake Placid. The allegation was this reduced the field, making a lower points pool available. Although she took first place, Uhlaender failed to earn her berth for the Milan-Cortina Games. “The current IBSF Rules allow National Federations to pull competitors from an event at any time,” declared the governing body. Following an investigation, the IBSF announced it would not impose sanctions, dismissing the complaints as there was no breach of its code. Canada's Explanation In response, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton stood by the withdrawals, citing athlete welfare and the need for rest. The organization stated that the individuals pulled had competed extensively that week and the decision was “appropriate, transparent and in keeping with both their well-being and the sport's fairness.” Coaches from several affected nations had voiced “serious concerns” about the selection system's integrity. The Athlete's Future For Katie Uhlaender, the Milan-Cortina Games are planned to be her last Games. While she can still qualify, the likely American berths are expected to go to other athletes. She is a 2012 world gold medalist whose best Games result was just off the podium in Sochi 2014. A Contentious Sporting Climate The controversy comes during a time of heightened tension in sports between the two North American nations. Recent political rhetoric and tariff impositions have fueled a intense sporting rivalry. Notable recent events include the 4 Nations Face-off and a thrilling World Series between teams from the two countries.