The CAS Ad hoc Division has ruled that it does not have the authority to consider an application from US skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender against Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS), coach Joe Cecchini, and the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF). The results of the 11 January 2026 IBSF North American Cup race and the Olympic qualification places for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina will remain unchanged.
Ms Uhlaender filed the case on 31 January 2026, following a decision by the IBSF Appeals Tribunal on 23 January 2026, which said it could not change the race results. The race saw four Canadian athletes withdrawn, reducing the number of points available.
In her application, Ms Uhlaender asked CAS to decide whether the withdrawals broke the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions, and whether full ranking points should be awarded, which could have affected Olympic selection.
The respondents argued that even if Uhlaender was awarded more points, this would not create an extra Olympic place for the USA team, nor would it guarantee her qualification. They also said it would be up to the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USA Bobsled Skeleton to decide whether to replace one of the nominated athletes, Kelly Curtis or Mystique Ro. The USOPC was not part of the case. The respondents also said CAS had no jurisdiction.
A hearing was held on 1 February 2026. The CAS panel noted that the Ad hoc Division for Milan–Cortina 2026 only deals with disputes that arise during the Games or within 10 days before the opening ceremony (6 February 2026). This means the dispute must have arisen no earlier than 27 January 2026.
The panel found that the dispute began on 23 January 2026, when the IBSF Appeals Tribunal made its decision. Therefore, the case fell outside the Ad hoc Division’s jurisdiction.
