Support for Katie Uhlaender

At least 12 countries have shown their backing for American skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender. The Olympic committees from Malta, Israel, the Virgin Islands, South Korea, Belgium, Brazil, Jamaica, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ghana, Nigeria, and Trinidad have sent letters of support to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Some did this directly, while others signed a letter from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) advocating for her qualification for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Uhlaender recently faced a setback—she lost the chance to compete in her sixth Winter Olympics due to Team Canada’s decision to withdraw its players from the North American Cup earlier this month. This withdrawal reduced the points available, making it nearly impossible for her to qualify.

Bobsled Canada Skeleton (BCS) stated their decision was made after careful evaluation and in consultation with the IBSF. They emphasized the health, safety, and long-term development of their athletes. However, a Canadian skeleton racer mentioned that her coaches indicated the withdrawal was necessary for the best points structure, aiming to secure two Olympic spots for their team.

The IBSF’s Interim Integrity Unit did investigate the claims of competition manipulation. While they acknowledged concerns over the withdrawal, they found that teams have the right to withdraw players at any time. Consequently, they dismissed an appeal, as their rules did not impose any penalties for late withdrawals affecting point allocation.

The IOC later responded to the USOPC’s letter advocating for Uhlaender, indicating that the situation involved IBSF rules related to an IBSF-sponsored event and that the organization had acknowledged the matter.

With support from at least 12 countries, Uhlaender hopes that her backing will increase as the Olympics approach. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is set to lead the U.S. presidential delegation to the Milan-Cortina Olympics next month, and Uhlaender is optimistic he will advocate for her entry.

She expressed her hopes by stating, “As an Olympian who has represented the United States… we respectfully ask that she support our request to IOC President Kirsty Coventry to use her authority to protect the integrity of Olympic sport by allowing wild card entries.” Uhlaender believes this would reinforce the importance of ethics and integrity in sports.