Skeleton Athlete Michelle Kelly Responds to Appeals Panel Decision to
Reinstate Her as a Full Member of Team Canada

Unanimous Decision 'Full Vindication' for Medal Hopeful

CALGARY , Nov. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Following her fifth place showing in the season opening World Cup race in Park City, Utah, skeleton racer Michelle Kelly responded to Tuesday's decision by the appeals panel to have her reinstated as a full member of Team Canada:

"With the unanimous decision by the appeals panel, my Olympic dream is alive again. The evidence presented at the appeals panel clearly showed that my runners were not modified in any performance enhancing manner and that I should never have been disqualified from the race in Whistler."

In addition to the original jury not having quorum to disqualify Kelly from the race on October 17-18, independent expert analysis of Kelly's runners was presented to the appeals panel that clearly showed that they were consistent in hardness, chemical composition and dimensions with other skeleton runners evaluated. Moreover, the independent tests determined that the markings (all of which were identifiable under microscopic examination) were diminished in a manner consistent with sanding.

Extensive sanding is an industry standard means for runner preparation and is not a performance enhancing treatment. No evidence was presented to the appeals panel to contradict this evidence. There was absolutely no evidence before the appeals panel to show any inappropriate treatment of the runners by Michelle Kelly ; quite to the contrary, the evidence shows that extensive pre-race sanding by Michelle's personal coach resulted in the inadvertent scratching of some of the emblems.

"The most difficult part of all this for me was the suggestion that I had attempted to enhance my performance. I have always, in every race, competed fairly and honestly, and even the slightest suggestion to the contrary is deeply troubling to me. I am just glad that the evidence presented to the appeals panel proves I did not cheat."

"With the panel's unanimous verdict, I can finally put all this behind me and get back to work. The important thing now is to focus on my training and get ready for Vancouver "

For further information: Jordan McJannet, [phone]; Joshua Jantzi, [phone]; Fraser Milner Casgrain, LLP