Canadian bobsleigh and skeleton athletes remain steadfast in their refusal to accept their national association’s “unacceptable” mediation plan.
A group that is now made up of 87 athletes (current and retired) sent a new letter to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) on Monday, saying it stands by its previous statements from March 7 and March 14 calling the proposed mediation a “solution of Fortune “.
“This does nothing to address the very root of the problem, which we believe to be governance and leadership failures,” says the letter, copies of which were sent to the Canadian Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, Sport Canada and Canadian Sports Minister Pascale Ste-Onge.
“Furthermore, BCS failed to involve or consult with the athletes on the proposed plan, or even in choosing a mediator, again underscoring its disregard for the athletes and their concerns. With respect, this approach is insensitive and lacks empathy in light of the issues raised. »
On March 7, a group of around 60 athletes first complained about culture, safety, transparency and governance issues at BCS, saying staff make decisions on such critical issues as team selection. team based on prejudices and cares little for the safety of the athletes, among other things. The signatories called for the resignation of Acting President Sarah Storey and High Performance Director Chris Le Bihan.
In an email to Canada’s 49 current bobsleigh and skeleton athletes, BCS proposed a two-step mediation process. The first consisted of meetings with the athletes to identify concerns and possible solutions; the second to convene a mediated meeting of athletes, Board of Directors and representatives of Sport Canada, Own the Podium and the COC.
“We will continue to categorically reject any unilaterally imposed mediation process, where athletes have no influence over the choice of mediator,” Monday’s letter said. “Athletes believe that mediation will not result in a meaningful resolution until a full, independent and transparent investigation into the issues raised has been conducted. »
The group, which does not include all current team members, has gained support from several athletes, including Kaillie Humphries. Humphries is a two-time Olympic champion with Canada, but decided to join Team USA after filing harassment complaints against BCS in 2018. She won monobob gold with USA at the Beijing Olympics , last month.
serious problems
In interviews with The Canadian Press, athletes testified to issues like the lack of a coach at the Olympic skeleton test event in Beijing last fall, which led to injuries on an unfamiliar track . Members of the Canadian bobsled development team also revealed that they did not have access to medical care for several weeks of training in Whistler, British Columbia.
They also claim to be almost entirely self-funded.
Monday’s letter stated that, “consistent with the requirements of safe sport and best practices in Canada, these matters should be investigated. We are confident that the findings of the investigation will support the complaints filed and, from there, serve as a platform to rebuild with an open mind”. “We continue to believe that BCS is unable to move forward to address athlete concerns in a positive or productive manner under current management. »
The group once again called for Storey and Le Bihan to be placed on leave until an investigation is complete.
The signatories are athletes who have competed for Canada between 2014 and present.