12 Nations Accuse Canada of Olympic Sabotage in Skeleton Dispute

Twelve national Olympic committees are supporting American skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender. They claim Canada manipulated a competition to block her from the Olympics. Uhlaender, 39, was fighting for the final qualifying spot for her sixth Winter Games. The dispute centers on a recent North American Cup race. Team Canada entered three athletes but withdrew them before the event. This move allegedly changed the race's qualifying value, costing Uhlaender critical points. She missed the Olympic quota by one spot. The 12 supporting nations have signed a petition to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF). They demand an investigation and for Uhlaender to be awarded the Olympic quota. Canada's skeleton federation has stated its athletes were withdrawn due to safety concerns about the track. The IBSF must now rule on the case, which could alter the final Olympic lineup just weeks before the Games begin.