Olympic Athletes File Appeals for Milan Cortina Games Spots

Bobsledder, luger, and skeleton racer seek to overturn exclusions from 2026 Winter Olympics

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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Several Olympic athletes have filed appeals with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an effort to secure spots at the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina. U.S. bobsledder Kris Horn, Irish luger Elsa Desmond, and U.S. skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender are all challenging decisions that they say have unfairly denied them places on their national teams for the Olympics.

Why it matters

These appeals highlight the intense competition and high stakes involved in qualifying for the Winter Olympics, where a small number of spots are available. The outcomes could significantly impact the Olympic rosters and medal hopes of several countries.

The details

Kris Horn is asking the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation to grant him a spot in the two-man bobsled race, even though he fell one race short of the minimum requirement this season. Elsa Desmond and the Irish Luge Federation are appealing against the International Luge Federation, arguing that Desmond was "unlawfully deprived" of a qualifying spot that was instead given to a Russian athlete with neutral status. Katie Uhlaender is challenging the Canadian sliding federation's decision to withdraw four sliders from a North American Cup race, which cost her valuable ranking points that kept her off the U.S. Olympic skeleton team.

  • The appeals were filed on January 30, 2026.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are scheduled for February-March 2026.

The players

Kris Horn

A U.S. Olympic bobsledder who is appealing to compete in the two-man bobsled event at the 2026 Winter Games.

Elsa Desmond

An Irish luge athlete who is appealing against the International Luge Federation's decision to allocate a qualifying spot to a Russian athlete with neutral status instead of Desmond.

Katie Uhlaender

A U.S. skeleton racer who is challenging the Canadian sliding federation's decision to withdraw four sliders from a North American Cup race, which cost Uhlaender valuable ranking points and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

The international court that hears and resolves disputes related to sports, including Olympic qualification issues.

International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF)

The governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that the qualification process for the Olympics is fair and transparent for all athletes.”

— Elsa Desmond, Irish Luge Athlete

“This is about upholding the integrity of the sport and giving athletes a fair shot at their Olympic dreams.”

— Katie Uhlaender, U.S. Skeleton Racer

What’s next

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to rule on the appeals before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.

The takeaway

These appeals underscore the intense competition and high stakes involved in qualifying for the Winter Olympics, where a limited number of spots are available. The outcomes could significantly impact the Olympic rosters and medal hopes of several countries.