The CAS solution (Feb 8th) is to recommend an extra spot in the Olympic run-off, a 21st position, so as to accommodate the Australian team, and to leave the Irish team in-situ.
“We are absolutely delighted to retain our legitimate place in the bobsleigh event, said Siobhan Hoey, Chef de Mission of the Irish team, speaking from Vancouver. “This whole episode has been a nightmare for our bobsleigh athletes and the management team and has caused considerable disruption to our teams’ preparations”
CAS’s recommendation re a 21st place will be forwarded to the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee and to the Vancouver Olympic Organising Committee for immediate action.
The Irish women’s bobsleigh team of Aoife Hoey and Claire Bergin, with reserve Leona Byrne, begins its Olympic challenge in Whistler, Vancouver, on Tuesday, February 23rd. They are part of a six person Irish squad taking part in what is the biggest winter sporting extravaganza ever seen in North America.
