Team Canada Accused of Manipulating Competition to Deny American Olympian Spot at Milan Cortina Olympics

Investigation finds Canada withdrew athletes to reduce points available, blocking Katie Uhlaender's qualification

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An investigation by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has found that Team Canada manipulated the outcome of the North American Cup in Lake Placid, New York earlier this month. Canada's actions denied American Olympian Katie Uhlaender a chance to earn enough points to qualify for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games. The IBSF determined that Canada's withdrawal of its athletes was an intentional effort to reduce the points available, making it mathematically impossible for Uhlaender to qualify. However, the IBSF is not taking any action to penalize Canada or change the event's outcome.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about fairness and integrity in Olympic qualification, as well as the ability of national teams to potentially manipulate competitions to protect their own Olympic spots. Uhlaender is a veteran Olympian who has represented the U.S. with distinction, and her exclusion from the Milan Cortina Games due to alleged Canadian interference is seen by many as a blow to clean competition.

The details

According to the IBSF's findings, Canada withdrew four of its skeleton athletes from the final North American Cup event in Lake Placid, reducing the total points available. This move made it mathematically impossible for Uhlaender to earn enough points to qualify for the Milan Cortina Olympics. While Canada initially cited athlete health and safety as the reason, one Canadian athlete said coaches told them the withdrawal was to protect Canada's own Olympic qualification.

  • The North American Cup event in question took place earlier this month in Lake Placid, New York.
  • The IBSF announced its findings and determination on January 29, 2026.

The players

Katie Uhlaender

An American Olympian and skeleton racer who was denied a chance to qualify for the Milan Cortina Olympics due to Canada's alleged manipulation of the qualifying event.

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS)

The national governing body for bobsleigh and skeleton sports in Canada, which initially cited athlete health and safety as the reason for withdrawing Canadian athletes from the final North American Cup event.

Madeline Parra

A Canadian skeleton racer who said the coaches told the team that the withdrawal was to protect Canada's own Olympic qualification.

International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF)

The international governing body for bobsleigh and skeleton sports that conducted the investigation and determined Canada's actions were intentional.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)

The national Olympic committee for the United States that has sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee advocating for Uhlaender to be granted a spot in the Milan Cortina Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“They had come over and explained to us that it would be in the best interest for the way points had worked for Jane, so that we as a team can qualify two spots to the Olympics.”

— Madeline Parra, Canadian skeleton racer

What’s next

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet with the leadership of the International Olympic Committee, and Uhlaender hopes he will advocate for her participation in the Milan Cortina Olympics.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability in Olympic qualification to ensure fairness and integrity in the competition. It also raises concerns about the ability of national teams to potentially manipulate events to protect their own interests at the expense of individual athletes' dreams.