Katie Uhlaender gets support from 12 countries for Olympic qualification

At least 12 countries have expressed their support for American skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender.

The Olympic committees of Malta, Israel, the Virgin Islands, South Korea, Belgium, Brazil, Jamaica, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ghana, Nigeria and Trinidad, sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have signed their support for Uhlaender either in their own letters or by signing the letter from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to the IOC advocating for the American to qualify for the Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Suddenly, Uhlaender is leading an international outcry to qualify after a decision by Team Canada cost him the chance to participate in his sixth Winter Olympics.

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After Team Canada withdrew athletes from the North America Cup earlier this month, the number of points the competition could award was reduced. The reduction made it mathematically impossible for Uhlaender to score enough points to qualify.

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) said the decision to withdraw the athletes was made “after careful assessment of the needs of the program and in consultation with the IBSF” and “careful consideration of the health, safety and long-term development of the athletes.”

“It was determined that continuing to compete with these athletes was not in the best interest of them or the program,” he added.

However, one of the Canadian athletes said the coaches said the reason for the withdrawal was due to “the best interest of the way the points had worked.”

“They came and explained to us that it would be best for Jane, so that we, as a team, can qualify two places for the Olympic Games,” said Canadian runner Madeline Parra. The Canadian Press.

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Katie Uhlaender of the USA reacts after the women’s skeleton race 2 during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the Olympic Sliding Center in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on February 16, 2018. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)

The IBSF’s Interim Integrity Unit (IIU) investigated allegations of competition manipulation. He acknowledged that the withdrawals raised concerns, but concluded that current rules allow teams to withdraw athletes at any time. Because the regulation contains no penalties or safeguards for late withdrawals that alter the distribution of points, the IIU dismissed the complaint.

The IOC has since responded to the USOPC’s letter defending Uhlaender.

“This matter relates to the application of IBSF rules and procedures in relation to an event organized by the IBSF. The IOC understands that the IBSF has already responded to Ms Uhlaender on this matter,” the IOC said in a statement provided to Pak Gazette Digital.

Uhlaender has the support of at least 12 countries. And that list could grow before the start of the Games.

Vice President JD Vance will lead the US presidential delegation to the Milan Cortina Olympics next month. Uhlaender hopes the vice president will advocate for his involvement.

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Katie Uhlaender of Team USA poses for a portrait during the Team USA Beijing 2022 Olympic shoot on September 12, 2021 in Irvine, California. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Team USA)

“As US Vice President JD Vance will meet with the leadership of the International Olympic Committee, I respectfully ask that you join me as an Olympian who has represented the United States of America and our values, the USOPC and the many affected nations in supporting our request to IOC President Kirsty Coventry to use her authority to uphold fairness in Olympic sport by granting a wild card entry,” Uhlaender said.

“Doing so would protect the integrity of the competition and prevent further harm. Such action would send a powerful message to young athletes around the world: upholding ethics and integrity may be difficult, but it is important.”