Canada's Skeleton Team Denies Sabotage Accusations

Canada’s skeleton team has denied allegations that coach Joe Cecchini sabotaged American racer Katie Uhlaender’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics. Uhlaender, a two‑time world champion whose best Olympic finish was fourth in 2014, lost crucial points after Canada withdrew four developmental women from a Lake Placid, NY North American Cup event on Sunday, January 12, 2026. The post‑call with Cecchini, in which Uhlaender allegedly cursed, prompted Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton to release a statement claiming the withdrawals were made for athlete welfare after poor performance in two of three races. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) will investigate the dispute, while the U.S. federation has lodged a complaint with the IOC athletes’ commission.