U.S. Pushes Wild‑Card for Skeleton Star Uhlaender After Qualification Dispute
Updated (2 articles)
Qualification Points Shortfall Leaves Uhlaender Out Uhlaender won the North American Cup race in Lake Placid but the sudden withdrawal of four Canadian sliders cut the points pool, leaving her just below the Olympic qualification threshold for Milan‑Cortina [1][2]. She had relied on those points after missing a World Cup roster, competing instead in seven lower‑tier events to stay in contention [2]. The points deficit sparked her formal appeal for a discretionary Olympic spot [2].
U.S. Officials Petition IOC for Discretionary Entry The USOPC chief Rocky Harris and USA Bobsled‑Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire submitted a petition to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, urging a wild‑card for Uhlaender [1]. They enlisted Vice President JD Vance to raise the issue at the Games, emphasizing the athlete’s career‑long achievements and the perceived unfairness of the points loss [1]. The request seeks to add her as a third American in the 25‑woman field, which currently includes two teammates [2].
IBSF Investigation Finds No Rule Violations The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s interim integrity unit reviewed the Canadian withdrawals and cleared coach Joe Cecchini of any misconduct, stating no rules were breached [1][2]. Uhlaender disputes the finding, arguing the probe ignored testimony from competitors present at Lake Placid [1]. The federation maintains its actions were transparent and aligned with athlete welfare [1].
Potential Legal Challenge and Athlete Council Fallout Athlete council member Elisabeth Vathje resigned, citing misalignment between the federation’s values and the handling of the case [1]. If the IOC denies the wild‑card, Uhlaender may take the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a step highlighted in the AP report [2]. Other nations have expressed support for her position, adding diplomatic pressure to the appeal [2].
Sources (2 articles)
-
[1]
CNN: Uhlaender Seeks Wild‑Card Spot for Milan‑Cortina After Qualification Dispute: Details the points loss, accusations against Canada, US officials’ wild‑card push, involvement of Vice President Vance, and athlete council resignation .
-
[2]
AP: Katie Uhlaender Appeals for a Wild‑Card Spot at Milan‑Cortina 2026: Focuses on the formal IOC petition, USOPC backing, IBSF investigation outcome, and possible escalation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport .
Timeline
2012 – Katie Uhlaender wins the women’s skeleton world championship, establishing her as a top‑level athlete and later leveraging the title in her Olympic qualification appeal [2].
Feb 2014 – At the Sochi Winter Games, Uhlaender finishes fourth amid a heated dispute over a missed bronze medal, a controversy that fuels her later calls for a fair qualification process [2].
2025‑2026 season – After being omitted from the World Cup roster, Uhlaender competes in seven North American and Asian Cup events to accumulate points, emphasizing she does not intend to displace teammates Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro who have already secured Olympic spots [2].
Early Jan 2026 (Lake Placid NAC race) – Uhlaender wins the North American Cup race, but four Canadian sliders withdraw at the last minute, slashing available ranking points and leaving her just short of the Olympic qualification threshold [1].
Jan 2026 (IBSF investigation) – The International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation’s interim integrity unit reviews the withdrawals and clears coach Joe Cecchini of any rule breach, a decision Uhlaender criticizes for ignoring athlete testimony [1].
Jan 2026 – IBSF athlete‑council member Elisabeth Vathje resigns from the Executive Committee, posting on Instagram that the federation’s values “misaligned with hers,” highlighting internal dissent over the handling of the controversy [1].
Jan 2026 – Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton issues a statement that its actions were “appropriate, transparent, and aligned with both athlete welfare and the integrity of the sport,” directly refuting Uhlaender’s allegations of manipulation [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Uhlaender formally petitions the International Olympic Committee for a discretionary wild‑card entry to the women’s skeleton field at Milan‑Cortina, citing the Lake Placid points loss as an unfair barrier [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee backs the request, with USOPC chief Rocky Harris and USA Bobsled‑Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire urging IOC President Kirsty Coventry and the IBSF to grant the spot; Uhlaender hopes Vice President JD Vance will raise the case at the Games [1].
Jan 24, 2026 – Uhlaender warns she will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if the IOC denies the wild‑card, signaling a possible legal escalation [2].
Jan 26, 2026 – U.S. officials intensify lobbying for the wild‑card, explicitly involving Vice President JD Vance as the Olympic entry deadline looms, while the controversy remains unresolved [1].
External resources (1 links)
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlbuHUgjuh/?hl=en (cited 1 times)