🔗 Share this article Canada Cleared of American Allegations of Manipulating Bobsleigh Qualifying Event Canada's skeleton athletes have been absolved of charges that they deliberately manipulated a qualifying event for the upcoming Games, thereby denying competitors from other nations a chance to secure their place. The Core Allegation and Investigation US skeleton veteran Katie Uhlaender alleged the team from Canada of withdrawing four of its six competitors from a race in Lake Placid. She claimed this shrunk the competition, making a lower points pool available. Despite winning the event, Uhlaender did not secure her berth for the Milan-Cortina Games. “The current IBSF Rules permit National Federations to withdraw athletes from an event at any time,” declared the governing body. After reviewing the matter, the federation stated it would not impose sanctions, rejecting the allegations as there was no breach of its code. Defense and Rationale Reacting to the claims, the Canadian federation defended the decision, citing athlete welfare and the need for rest. The organization stated that the individuals pulled had competed extensively that week and the move was “correct, clear and in keeping with both their well-being and the integrity of the sport.” Coaches from the US, Denmark, Israel, and Malta had previously expressed “deep worry” about the qualification process. Uhlaender's Olympic Quest For Katie Uhlaender, the Milan-Cortina Games are planned to be her last Games. Her path to qualification remains, the likely US team spots are projected for other athletes. She is a former world champion whose closest Olympic finish was fourth place in 2014. A Contentious Sporting Climate This incident comes during a time of increased rivalry in athletic competitions involving Canada and the US. Recent political rhetoric and trade disputes have fueled a spirited sporting rivalry. Notable recent events include the 4 Nations Face-off and a seven-game baseball championship featuring clubs in the neighboring nations.